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International Journal Of Horticulture, Agriculture And Food Science(IJHAF)

Migratory Pathways and Crop Damage Dynamics of Nilaparvata lugens in West Bengal

Dhaniram Biswas


International Journal of Horticulture, Agriculture and Food science(IJHAF), Vol-9,Issue-4, October - December 2025, Pages 26-31, 10.22161/ijhaf.9.4.4

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Article Info: Received: 10 Oct 2025; Received in revised form: 08 Nov 2025; Accepted: 15 Nov 2025; Available online: 23 Nov 2025

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The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål), a major pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.), poses significant threats to paddy production in West Bengal, India, through long-distance migration facilitated by seasonal winds and subsequent feeding damage. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the migration patterns, population dynamics, and crop damage mechanisms of N. lugens in the region, drawing on field observations, meteorological data, and genetic studies. Migration primarily occurs via southwest monsoonal winds from southern Indian states, with peaks during July–September, leading to infestations that cause hopperburn and yield losses of 20–50% in vulnerable districts such as Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman. Damage is most severe during tillering and panicle initiation stages, exacerbated by the transmission of viral diseases. Comparative analyses of seasonal patterns, varietal susceptibility, and management interventions are presented via tables. Effective strategies, including resistant cultivars, integrated pest management (IPM), and cultural practices, offer pathways to mitigate impacts. This synthesis underscores the need for region-specific monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard rice productivity amid climate variability.

brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, migration ecology, rice yield loss, West Bengal, pest management, hopperburn

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