Abstract:
Rice is subjected to many pests and diseases that often place a major biological
constraint on production. A survey was conducted to study major pests and diseases in
rice and their management practices in Matara district. Thirty farmers were randomly
selected for this survey and each farmer was interviewed with a structured
questionnaire. Sheath blight, BLB and rice blast were recorded as major diseases in the
area while brown plant hoppers (BPH) and green leaf hoppers were recorded as major
pests. A BPH resistant variety BG 379/2 was cultivated by most of the farmers. It was
recorded that majority of farmers (63.3%) used resistant varieties against pests and
diseases while most of them (33%) have cultivated those resistant varieties according to
the recommendation of Department of Agriculture. Most of the farmers (53.33%) have
sprayed chemicals only for controlling pests and diseases, however, a considerable
number of farmers (23.33) have adopted both chemical and cultural control methods
together. Only 3.33% farmers have applied integrated methods for the management of
pests and diseases. Carbosulfan, Fenobucarb and Kasugamycin were the widely used
chemicals in controlling pests and diseases in the area.