Symptoms
Look for the presence of bug in the field during the early ear bearing stage. Due to de-sapping, grains show brownish discoloured patches on the husk.
Management
1. Strict vigilance is necessary at milky stage.
2. Keep the field and bunds free of weeds and grasses.
3. Avoid overlapping cultivation in an Ela.
4. When the bug is seen in large numbers apply one of the following insecticides: Malathion and carbaryl.
Note: Since the occurrence of the bug coincides with the flowering stage, application of the insecticide may be done either before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. so that fertilization of the flowers is not adversely affected.