Rice black bug (Scotinophara sp.) status and ecological pest management practices in rice

Rice ( Oryza sativa ) is a staple food worldwide, yet faces significant threats from over 100 insect species, including 20 economic pests that are causing serious yield loss to rice plants. In many Asian nations, stink bugs belonging to the genus Scotinophara coarctata (Fabricius, Entomolgia systematica emendata et aucta, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species adjectis synonymis, locis, observationibus, descriptionibus, Suppl.: 1–572. Proft, Hafniae, 1798), Pentatomidae, Hemiptera are a common pest of rice. Black bug sucks the sap from the rice plants, and heavily infested rice plants turn yellowish brown and further die causing “bug burned” symptoms. Excessive sucking by more number of bugs causes maximum damage to rice crop in all affected areas. This review is focused on the nature of damage, taxonomy, alternate host, biology, light trap studies, influence of host varieties on the population development of black bug, EIL, ETL, yield loss, sustainable integrated BB management including cultural practices, exploiting the pest diversionary approaches for the management of black bug, biological control by parasites, predators and entomogenous fungi, efficacy of insecticides and botanicals in the management. This review is focused on the sustainable pest management practices for black bug in rice.