Rice genotypes and the biochemical basis of resistance against brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)

Abstract

Screening of 50 rice genotypes against brown planthopper infestation was conducted in open field conditions over two consecutive years (Kharif 2018-19 and 2019-20). Based on pest population per hill, rice genotypes IR82475-110-2-2-1-2, Akshyadhan, and MTU-1010 had the least brown planthoppers. TN1, Swarna, MTU 7029, Rajendra Kasturi, Baranideep, and Sahbhagidhan had the highest population and were classified as pest-prone. Rice leaf biochemical characteristics examined in selected genotypes, revealed that the pest population was significantly and positively correlated with total sugar (r = 0.608), crude protein (r = 0.306) and total free amino acid (r = 0.358), but significantly negatively correlated with phenol (r = -0.429), crude silica (r = -0.401), and tannin (r = -0.301). Correlation analysis revealed that susceptible entries contained more total sugar, crude protein, and total free amino acids, whereas resistant genotypes contained significantly more phenol, crude silica, and tannins. This study highlighted the significance of antixenotic properties in rice genotypes against brown planthoppers.