Rice Delphacid Found in Arkansas, Growers Urged to Scout Late Planted Fields

By Sarah Cato

Rice delphacid, a planthopper that has been a serious pest in central and southern America and the Caribbean, has been found in Arkansas. While most of the state’s rice is either harvested or almost ready for harvest, there are some late planted fields that need to be scouted.

Rice delphacid had been present in Arkansas in the 1950s, then seemed to vanish. However, it reappeared on entomologists’ radars when it was confirmed in Texas in 2015 and this year was found in northern Louisiana and Arkansas. The insect has been confirmed in Miller and Lafayette counties in southwestern Arkansas. It has also been found as far north as Jefferson County and in at least one field north of I-40 in Woodruff County. Populations have also been found in Washington County in Division of Agriculture research plots.

“In general, this year’s crop is far enough along that there isn’t too much concern for this year’s rice,” said Nick Bateman, extension rice entomologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “However, we still want to monitor its spread and take any opportunity this year to look at control options in case this pest decides to stay around for future seasons.”

Rice delphacid are small insects. Adult males have dark-colored wings, and females have tan-colored wings that blend in with rice straw. Nymphs are oval shaped, tan-colored and have racing stripes down their sides. Bateman said the nymphs are “unique and pretty hard to miss.”

Signs of damage and control options

Bateman said rice fields that are green, in late boot to early heading stages, are still a concern for rice delphacid.

“Rice delphacid feeding damage – what we call hopper burn – dries out the rice and causes burn symptoms and can kill the plant,” Bateman said. “Additionally, rice delphacid is a vector for Rice Hojo Blanca Virus, which presents as white bands on rice leaves and can cause panicle deformation and reduced tillers.”

Bateman said control options in Arkansas are limited.