Population Dynamics of the Rice Leaf Folder <i>Cnaphalocrocis medinalis</i> Guenee: A Lifetable Study

Abstract

The rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee has become a major concern, causing outbreaks in various parts of India. A lifetable study was conducted to analyze the growth, survival, reproduction, and mortality of C. medinalis, aiming to determine the weakest lifestages and unravel its population dynamics. The study observed the highest survival rate at the fourth-instar larval stage and the lowest during the egg and first-instar larval stages. A population trend index of 5.9 was observed, indicating significant population growth.