Prior to the introduction of the modern varieties, the rice crop survived for centuries with traditional varieties with robust plant type but low yield. The farmers started applying higher doses of fertilizers in general and nitrogen in particular as these varieties were fertilizer responsive and these changes in rice cultivation resulted in an altered microclimate, which led to the accentuation of the insect pest and disease problems. Many diseases such as sheath blight, sheath rot, false smut and leaf scald have become severe in several parts of the country. | Integrated pest management in rice and its future scope
