The document discusses a study on the survival of natural enemies of rice pests during the rice off-season. It found that lady beetles, spiders, damselflies and wasps made up most of the natural enemies found in rice stubbles and vegetation after harvest. The study recommends leaving vegetation in bunds and field margins during the off-season to provide refuge for natural enemies, and only clearing weeds after the next rice crop is established to conserve these beneficial insects.

1. Val C. Garcia*, Franz Marielle C. Nogoy-Garcia,
Carlos C. Abon, Jr., Marvin M. Cinense
Survival of Natural Enemies of
Rice Insect Pests during
Rice Off-Season (ROS)

2. Results
6%
Lady beetle Spiders Damselfly
68%
12
%
10% 4%
Others
Wasp

3. Results
 Another aspect is looking at the species of weeds
that are really in conserving natural enemies in the
field during ROS.
 Vegetation adjacent to crops may benefits natural
enemies of crops pests.

4.  After harvest, NE’s moved to rice
stubbles then to other habitats like
vegetation in the bunds and margin
fields.
Conclusions

5. Recommendations
 Do not cut and burn or spray herbicide in the bunds
during ROS.
 During land preparation, partial cutting of weeds to leave
enough vegetation as refuge. Cut and clean weeds in the
bunds and nearby vegetation only after rice crop
establishment.
 Shelters and refuge areas for NE’s can be enhanced
through modification of vegetation within crops or
borders