Community structure of arthropods in Agusan del Norte lowland ricefields

Abstract

The structure of insect pests and natural enemies associated with white stem borer (Scirpophaga innota Walker) in the irrigated and rainfed lowland ricefields in Agusan del Norte was studied for two cropping seasons. Sweep net method was used to sample in the populations of the various arthropods. More species of arthropods were sampled in rainfed lowland ricefields than in irrigated ricefields, however, difference in the diversity was not significant. Number of species and populations of arthropods were affected by cropping husbandry practices particularly weeding and application of pesticides. Climate did not significantly affect the arthropod diversity due to the erratic climatic conditions at the onset of the El Niño phenomenon.