Estimation of biochemical parameters in brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) infested rice plants

Biochemical analysis of healthy and brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens damaged rice plants across three varieties, viz., Pusa 1509 and Pusa 1121 (Basmati varieties prevalent in cultivation in North India) and the susceptible variety TN-1 revealed substantial variations in the chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein, flavonoid contents and relative water content in infested plants. These alterations serve as vital indicators of pest severity, aiding in cost-effective pest management. Assessing the impact of BPH over 20 and 40 days after infestation (DAI) highlighted significant reductions in chlorophyll, carotenoid, and protein levels. Flavonoid content initially increased after infestation but decreased with high BPH stress after 40 DAI. Relative water content decreased, indicating sustained adverse effects of BPH on rice plants. These findings underscore the susceptibility of physiological traits to BPH stress, urging further research for sustainable pest management to ensure global food security.