Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers to remain vigilant against the invasion of pests during the rice growing season. The warning specifically highlights the threat posed by rice pests and rice stem borers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed that the Department of Agricultural Extension, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has expressed concern for farmers and rice growers. With rice planting in Thailand entering the tillering stage over an area of 8,028,956 rai, there is a heightened risk of infestation by rice stem borers, which can cause significant damage. Farmers are advised to conduct regular inspections of their rice fields during this critical period.
In Thailand, four types of rice stem borers commonly invade rice planting areas: cream stem borer, striped stem borer, pink stem borer, and purple stem borer. When mature, these borers become moths. Each type has specific egg-laying patterns, with females depositing eggs at various parts of the rice plant. Infestation can lead to visible damage such as yellowing or browning of the leaf sheath. This damage is typically observed about a month after sowing. If left unchecked, the borers can cause the rice leaves and shoots to wilt, a condition known as deadheart, or result in shriveled rice grains, referred to as whitehead rice.
During the planting season, farmers are advised to plow the fields post-harvest to disrupt the life cycle of the pests and consider crop rotation. Light traps can be used to capture adult moths, and the use of nitrogen fertilizers should be minimized to avoid attracting borers. If infestation exceeds 15% of rice leaves, the application of specific insecticides like cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole is recommended according to the labeled guidelines.