Insect control detailed at recent rice conference

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Feb. 10, 2005 - While most rice producers are still looking for new and better markets for their products, problems with insects continue to cause problems that are being addressed at the Texas A&M Beaumont Agricultural Experiment Station.

Speaking to a full house at the recent Western Rice Belt Production Conference in El Campo, recently, Dr. M.O. (Mo) Way gave a presentation as to what the most recent insect problems are and how they are being addressed at the Experiment Station.

Way explained that one insect problem seems to be increasing in severity is the rice stink bugs. He said that a new insecticide, Prolex, is showing about 80 to 90 percent of control ... about the same as the products, Mustang Max and Karatez that producers are already familiar with.

While some bugs will go into a treated field and then leave, Way noted that only one day after treatment does not show much success in alleviating the pests. He mentioned although they have been testing mixing Mustang Max with oils in the lab, they have not tested the products in the fields.

He said several states are trying to get Orthene approved for use in several states within the region, including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi. The U.S.A. rice federation's environmental affairs subcommittee is hoping for a full, federal label, since current insecticides are not that effective. Orthene has been proven to be safer for people, the environment and the "good" insects.

Another rice pest includes stem borers, including the Sugar Cane Borer and the Mexican Rice Borer. Way said KarateZ is doing well to help rid fields of these insects, and Tracer has been proven to be environmentally safe and easier to register.

In Ganado, tests have proven the Priscilla and Cocodrie varieties of rice are very susceptible to the borers, but the varieties of hybrid rice are more resistant. One good thing, Way pointed out, is that even if you have a stem borer in the main crop, with treatment, producers can still get in a ratoon crop.

Although the stem borers are similar, Way explained how to tell them apart. He noted that the Sugar Cane Borer has spots on its back; the Rice Stalk Borer has stripes; and, the Mexican Rice Borer has lines that look like "equal" signs on its back. Strangely enough, Way said the Mexican Rice Borer is more dangerous to sugar cane than the others. Fortunately, all eastern counties in South Central Texas in the rice belt are clear of these problems, Way added. Unfortunately, the stem borer was a worse problem in Wharton and Matagorda counties in 2004.

Way said 2006 will be the last year to use Icon in Texas for seed treatment of the water weevils. Mustang Max is registered for the water weevils, and should be applied about three to five days after flooding the rice crop. (Mid-March to about the third week of May is when the most planting is taking place.)

Way said there is a big increase in treatment costs, per acre, for weevils. In 2003, producers received about $40, per acre, above cost of control, but only $30 in 2004.

New pests that were mentioned included the Channeled Applesnail that has been discovered in parts of Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris, Waller and Chambers counties. So far, no damage control has been addressed.

Another problem is the Rice Whorl Maggot, which Way said is related to late planting and stands damaged after flooding, and can leave a field tattered.

With all the problems being addressed and tested, reports show there was a 22 percent increase in rice acreage in 2004, and Cocodrie remained the favorite variety, and was grown on 59 percent of the acreage. Of course, weather affected the 2004 crops. Low temperatures were recorded and high rainfall caused the crops to be planted late and harvested late. The total production was about 14.3 million (hundredweight).