Rice, a staple food for over half of the worlds’ population is a key to food security, social stability and the economy. Today, in many Asian and African countries, rice production is threatened by the shortage of arable land and water. In addition, insects and diseases are two major threats that cause severe yield losses in epidemic years. In the past two decades the frequent and improper application of chemicals, for insect and disease control, has caused the development of insect and pathogen resistance, affected farmers’ health, damaged the environment and reduced biodiversity. It is thus imperative that we review some of the critical issues concerning the development of more effective, sustainable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable strategies for insect and disease management.

Rice Pest Symposium