Effect of Brewing Time of Vermitea on the Performance and Pest Occurrence of Different Rice Varieties

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the performance of rice varieties' effect of vermitea brewed at various durations on lowland rice varieties for two cropping seasons. Nine treatment groups were considered with two experimental factors: Factor A - rice varieties (inbred, black, and glutinous rice) and Factor B – brewing time (24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours) arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. Vermitea was administered through foliar application and gathering of insect pest were done at a weekly interval. The glutinous rice was found superior in most growth and yield parameters. Most of the growth characteristics were varied as affected by the brewing time of vermitea. The different brewing times of vermitea influenced most of the growth characteristics but not the yield contributing characteristics of rice for both seasons. However, brewing for 48 hours produced the highest grain yield (dry season). The growth and yield performance of rice were better during the dry season compared to the wet season. The number of insect pests was highest in black rice during the wet season and inbred rice during the dry season. Brewing vermitea for 24 hours attracted the highest number of insects during the wet season. More insect pests were observed in the wet season than in the dry season. Glutinous rice gave the highest economic returns. Brewing vermitea to 48 hours (wet season) and 24 hours (dry season) are the most profitable. Result suggests that a longer brewing time of vermitea does not promote higher growth and protection against insect pests.