Screening and Evaluation of Rice to Assess Antibiosis and Antixenosis Resistance to White-Backed Planthopper (Sogatella furcifera)

The white-backed planthopper, <i>Sogatella furcifera</i>, and the brown planthopper, <i>Nilaparvata lugens</i>, severely impact rice production, necessitating effective selection methods for resistant cultivars. <i>S. furcifera</i> poses a significant threat to rice cultivation, particularly in Asia. Through this study, we aimed to establish an effective approach to identifying resistant rice varieties based on feeding behavior, physiological and chemical responses, and genetic analysis. Three key activities were involved: (1) evaluation of planthopper feeding behavior utilizing the honeydew drop method, the electrical penetration graph technique, and growth rate analysis; (2) investigation into the physiological and chemical traits of rice; and (3) analysis of resistance-related gene expression. The results indicated larger honeydew drop areas, fewer and shorter probing events, and structural defenses such as increased trichome density in resistant rice genotypes, likely hindering insect attachment and feeding. We confirmed the suitability of the growth rate method for resistance screening. Gene expression analysis identified <i>PR10a</i> upregulation in resistant rice, suggesting a molecular basis for resistance. This study enables the selection of rice varieties resistant to planthoppers, supporting sustainable pest management and breeding programs. The findings support sustainable pest management by enabling the targeted selection of resistant varieties, ultimately aiding in the development of rice genotypes with enhanced resistance across growth stages.