Simulated damage to upland rice by leaf caterpillar

Abstract

The damage caused to upland rice by leaf caterpillar was simulated through artificial defoliations in distinct growth stages of cultivars IAC 47 and IAC 25. There was no decrease in productivity for both cultivars when the defoliations were done during the vegetative stage. Besides, they showed some tendency for increase in productivity. However, when high levels of defoliation were practiced during the reproductive stage, floral organ development and grain filling were affected, and hence reflecting into reduced productivity.