Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Himabindu Parsi, Chitra Shanker and DK Rana

Abstract:
In this study, we investigated the preference of adult rice leaf folder moths and third instar larvae towards three rice varieties: TN 1, W1263, and TKM 6. Ten adult moths were released into a cage containing rice plants of the three varieties. The moths showed a clear preference for TN 1, with a mean number of 1.67 moths choosing it after 15 minutes, and the preference increased over time, reaching 5.60 moths after 24 hours. W1263 was the second most preferred variety, with 4.40 moths choosing it after 24 hours. In contrast, TKM 6 was not preferred by any of the moths throughout the study period. Similarly, third instar leaf folder larvae were placed equidistant from the fresh leaves of the three rice varieties in a separate cage. The larvae also displayed a preference for TN 1, with 2.20 larvae choosing it within 30 minutes and 6.90 larvae preferring it after 24 hours. W1263 was preferred from one hour after release, with 3.10 larvae attracted to it after 24 hours. In contrast, TKM 6 was least preferred by the larvae, with only 0.10 larvae being attracted after 24 hours. Therefore the preference of C. medinalis to different rice varieties was in the order TN 1 > W1263 >TKM 6.