Abstract

Attempts were made to develop suitable techniques for continuous mass rearing of gall midges and screening of varieties under artificial infestation in greenhouse conditions. Studies on the biology showed that majority of the gall midge males and females emerged before and after mid-night, respectively. There was a distinct perference to leaf sheath and leaf blade than the auricle for ovi-position. The total period taken from egg to adult emergence was 23 to 25 days, except during the cooler months. Infestation of 120 seedlings at 12 to 15 days age with 10 females and 5 males of gall midge was found adequate and rapid for mass screening of the varieties. Resistance of some of the rice cultures/varieties to gall midge was confirmed under green-house conditions.

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