A pest is a living organism that survives at the expense of other living organism resulting in physical damage and economic loss. Different types of pests that cause damage to the rice crop Insects (sucking and biting insects) Plant diseases (fungi, bacteria, virus, and microplasma), Nematodes, Rodents, Snails and slugs. Losses caused due to pests in Rice Rice is essentially a crop of warm, humid environments conducive to the survival and Proliferation of insects. More than 70 species were recorded as pests of rice and about 20 have major significance. Together, they infest all parts of the plant at all growth stages . The insects act as vectors of virus diseases, and are a major factor responsible for low rice yields particularly in Tropical Asia, the worlds rice bowl. The insect problem is accentuated in multi cropping Or dormancy but occurs throughout the year in over lapping generations. The yield losses vary from 20 to 50 per cent due to the damage caused by various insect Pests. Control measures Control measures are mainly Cultural, Mechanical, Biological & Chemical Among the different methods the farmer is inclined more for chemical method of control as this method gives quick results . No single method is adequate to suppress pest population. Integrated pest management depending on the need, availability and feasibility of implementation should be adopted. Advantages of Chemical Control Insecticides or fungicides can be maintained and stored in advance so that they may be applied very soon after an out break occur or is expected to occur. It usually involves less labour than mechanical methods. Infestation over large areas can be treated and in less time than by other methods. It is comparatively cheap and within the reach of many farmers. It is very effective in most cases. Disadvantages of Chemical control The insecticides are more indiscriminate in killing insects. Thus, not only harmful insects are killed, but some of the beneficial insects as well. This leads to ecological imbalance leading to secondary infestation of certain pests. Most of the insecticides are poisonous to mammals and birds. Contribute to environmental pollution, Several insecticides are toxic not only to insects but to plants as well leading to phytotoxicity. Indiscriminate use of pesticides leads to the development of resistance in pests. The residues in edible parts of the plant are harmful to consumers. Conclusion Because of these draw backs one should not rely on unilateral chemical control, but has to adopt integrated pest management by utilizing all possible methods of control. The total Eradication of pests is almost impossible with available agricultural technology. The most Practical alternative is the integrated approach which Compromises, survey and surveillance to monitor the pests, exploitation of host resistance, Cultural practices such as judicious use of fertilizers, crop rotation, sanitation, and correct time of planting, biological control, using parasites and predators etc., and use of pesticides on Need basis.

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