Gall Midge (Ganjur)

Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) Gall midge is generally not a significant pest of rice in Indonesia. This pest is only mildly harmful, very Balail, and only occurs in certain seasons. However, malignancy can occur since planting is still in the nursery until the plant reaches the primordia phase. The typical symptom of gall midge is rice shoots that grow into a shape like a nipple or a leek, with varying lengths, 15-20 cm. Saplings that are attacked by gall midge are not able to produce panicles. The adult insect Orseolia oryzae resembles a tiny mosquito and cannot fly, so its spread is limited. These insects are nocturnal and are very attracted to light. Strong pests can be controlled through the following steps:

• Adjust the planting time so that the peak of rainfall does not coincide with the vegetative stage.
• Plow ratoons/stubbles from previous plants and remove/clear all alternative host plants such as wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) during the fallow period.
• Plant resistant varieties such as Ciliwung and Asahan. Adult gall midge pests are very attracted to light. Therefore, light traps can be used to catch adult gall midge pests.
• Granular insecticides with the active ingredient carbofuran can be used because they work systemically.

Source: Putra, R. (2018). Hama dan penyakit tanaman padi dan deskripsi padi sawah. Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian Kepulauan Riau.