Abstract

                                The rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Guen. is one of the major pests affecting rice. The use of neem products viz. neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 5% and neem oil (NO) 3% is the available non-chemical method for the management of this pest. A study was carried out at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai during 199395 to enhance the effectiveness of this product. Combinations of seed oil viz. pungam (Karanj), illuppai, sesame, castor and mustard at 1% with NSKE 4% and NO 2% were tested for their efficacy against leaf folder under laboratory, glass house and field conditions. Among the seed oil mixtures, NSKE 4% + pungam oil 1% and NO 2% + pungam oil 1% was found superior in effectiveness against leaf folder as compared to recommended dose of NSKE 5% and NO 3%. These effective treatments also registered higher grain yield and showed no adverse effect on the spider predators.

Key words : Neem Oil, Neem seed kernel extract, Seed oils, Leaf folder