Leaf folder (Hama putih palsu)

Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) - leaf folder is rarely a significant pest of rice. The attack becomes significant when the damage to the leaves is at the maximum tillering phase, and the maturation phase reaches >50%. The white color sees the damage caused by the attack of false white pest larvae on the leaves on the plantation. The larvae feed on the green tissue of the leaf from within the leaf folds, leaving the white underside of the leaf. The life cycle of this pest is 30-60 days. The first sign of a false white pest infestation is the presence of a yellow-brown moth that has 3 black bands with complete or broken lines on the forewings. At rest, the moth is triangular. To control the false white pest:

• Strive for plant maintenance as best as possible so that planting grows well, healthy, and uniformly;
• Use an insecticide (if needed) with the active ingredient fipronil or carbofuran;
• Do not use insecticides until the plants are 30 days old after transplanting or 40 days after sowing;
• Rice plants that are attacked in this phase can recover if water and fertilizers are appropriately managed.

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