Rice Root Nematode (Hirschmanniella oryzae)

Symptoms

• Infests paddy roots and make them partially hollow.
• Plants show stunted growth in patches.
• Feeding on the roots adversely affects absorption of water and nutrients.
• Symptoms of attack include yellowing and reduction in the number of leaves and tillers.
• This is causing significant yield loss.

Chemical Control

• Dip the roots of seedlings in 0.2% dimethoate for six hours before transplanting in tracts where nematode attack is detected.