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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 September 2011
Ten rice varieties were studied for their relative susceptibility to the stalk-eyed fly, Diopsis thoracica West. Preference for oviposition was observed and some of the factors which appeared to pre-dispose the plants for oviposition were number of tillers per hill, leaf angle, plant height, stem diameter, leaf colour, plant age and plant spacing. The relative developments of Diopsis thoracica in the different varieties are given. Varietal susceptibility to infestation by the insect seemed to be different from varietal suitability for its growth. Insect damage affected the yield components and total yields, but the extent was varietal. The level of infestation, the production and time of production of compensatory tillers seem to be important factors in yield reductions. Implications of some of these results in a pest management programme are highlighted.