New Blog- New Scout for Rice Insect Pests

By Roberta Firoved

The Pest Control Advisor (PCA) is essential in farm operations to scout (inspect fields for pest infestations) and write recommendations that allow applications of necessary crop protection materials. Unknowing to the PCA, there’s a new scout in the fields.  A new ally for the PCA is the White-faced Ibis - the prehistoric looking brown bird that in the right light can also have an iridescent green color.

Most rice pesticide applications cease by the end of June. In July, the pesticide applications can continue for spot treating releases (weeds not controlled by previous applications), disease control and armyworm infestation. The armyworm is not an annual pest and usually infests the fields later in the season.

The PCA is quick to utilize the White-faced Ibis as a tool for scouting armyworm infestations in rice fields. Recent increases in the White-faced Ibis populations have a dramatic affect on armyworm detections. The White-faced Ibis love to dine on armyworms fresh from the field, so all one needs to do is look across a rice field and observe a small flock of large, dark birds gathering for a feast.

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Roberta Firoved, Manager of Industry Affairs. Roberta is a licensed PCA and manages pesticide regulatory issues for the California rice industry.