Brown Planthopper (BPH) in Paddy | धान में भूरा माहू — Identification & Control
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Brown Planthopper (BPH) in Paddy | धान में भूरा माहू
Brown Planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is one of the most devastating pests of paddy in India. BPH feeds by sucking phloem sap at the base of tillers, causing rapid wilting and death of patches — a symptom called "hopperburn". Outbreaks can destroy an entire crop in 7–10 days if left unchecked.
Identification / पहचान
Adult BPH
- Small (2–3 mm), brown to dark brown insects at the base of plants near the waterline
- Two forms: macropterous (long-winged, for migration) and brachypterous (short-winged, for reproduction)
- Found in dense colonies at stem base — visible by parting tillers
Nymphs (Immature BPH)
- Smaller (1–2 mm), pale white to brown
- Cluster at stem base along with adults
Hopperburn / हॉपरबर्न
Characteristic symptom: circular patches of brown, dead plants in the field (3–10 plants to start, rapidly expanding). Plants appear scorched — hence "hopperburn." Surrounded by healthy green plants at the patch edge. Distinct difference from blast or flood damage.
Why BPH Is Dangerous / भूरा माहू खतरनाक क्यों है
- Rapid reproduction: One generation every 3 weeks; 200+ eggs per female; huge populations in 3–4 weeks
- Hopperburn speed: A high-density colony can kill a patch in 5–7 days
- Resurgence risk: Wrong insecticide use (pyrethroids especially) kills natural enemies but not BPH — populations bounce back 2–3× higher within 10 days (BPH resurgence)
- Grassy Stunt Virus + Ragged Stunt Virus: BPH transmits these viruses; infected plants never recover
Economic Threshold / आर्थिक देहलीज
- At tillering–panicle initiation: 10 BPH / plant (or 50+ per tiller cluster) = spray required
- At heading–grain filling: 5 BPH / plant = spray required
- Scout by counting BPH at stem base in a W-pattern across the field (5 spots × 2 tillers each)
Insecticide Recommendations / कीटनाशक
| Insecticide | Dose / Acre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buprofezin 25% SC | 400 ml/acre | IGR — disrupts nymph molting; very effective, low resistance risk |
| Imidacloprid 17.8% SL | 100 ml/acre | Fast knockdown — but use cautiously; avoid overuse to prevent resistance |
| Pymetrozine 50% WG | 120 g/acre | Excellent for BPH; causes feeding cessation within hours |
| Dinotefuran 20% SG | 80 g/acre | New generation; effective against imidacloprid-resistant BPH strains |
| Thiamethoxam 25% WG | 80 g/acre | Systemic; good for late-season high pressure |
Critical: DO NOT Use These for BPH
- Lambda-cyhalothrin, Cypermethrin, Fenvalerate (pyrethroids) — kill natural enemies, trigger severe BPH resurgence within 7–10 days
- Monocrotophos — banned for paddy use; causes resurgence
Application Method / छिड़काव विधि
- BPH lives at the base of the plant near waterline — spray must reach this zone
- Use high-volume spray (200+ L water/acre) directed at stem base
- Drain standing water from field before spraying for better contact
- Early morning spray is most effective when BPH activity is highest
Natural Enemy Conservation / प्राकृतिक शत्रुओं की रक्षा
Spiders, mirid bugs, and parasitic wasps are key natural enemies of BPH. Healthy natural enemy populations prevent BPH outbreak from reaching economic threshold in many seasons. Reduce broad-spectrum insecticide sprays in early season to conserve natural enemies.
Quick Reference | त्वरित संदर्भ
- Peak risk period: Tillering to grain filling (60–100 DAS)
- ETL: 10 BPH/plant at tillering; 5 BPH/plant at heading
- Best insecticides: Buprofezin, Pymetrozine, Dinotefuran
- Avoid: All pyrethroids (cause resurgence)
- Spray direction: At base of plant, not top of canopy
Shop BPH control products on Farmkart: Buprofezin, Pymetrozine and Dinotefuran — genuine, free delivery to your paddy field.
