Rice Stink Bug Alert!

(Dr. Gus Lorenz)
We are observing large numbers of stink bugs moving into rice fields that are in the 3rd and 4th week of heading. We are observing numbers as high as 4x threshold. This is occurring in all rice growing regions

of the state. These are fields where the rice panicles/ seed are in the milk or soft dough stage. Stink bug feeding at this time can cause "pecky rice", which can result in significant discounts on the price received when the rice is sold.

Rice is not safe from damage until it reaches the hard dough stage. If the rice grain is still soft and pliable or can be squeezed between your fingers, it is still susceptible to damage. In many cases the oldest part of the panicle is hard dough but the base of the panicle is still soft dough. This is a field-by-field call. Just remember the discount for peck can be severe and best avoided.

The threshold for rice stink bugs is one per sweep. Take 10 sweeps in several locations in the field if you are averaging 10 stink bugs per 10 sweeps you need to make an insecticide application. Recommended products are pyrethroids such as Karate or Mustang Max or methyl parathion. Do not release the flood water within 7 days of application. Also be advised that when sampling during the hot part if the day, stink bugs move down in the plant and sampling at this time may not reflect the true number of stink bugs. Sampling is most effective early in the morning and late in the evening when the bugs are out on the panicles. Sweepnets are much more effective than "visual observations".