Insect Pests Drive Regional Differences in Rice Seed Treatment Use

By Blake Wilson, LSU AgCenter

The use of insecticidal seed treatments in rice is not a new pest management strategy, but the products have changed over the years. Insecticidal seed treatments are effective in managing early-season pests of rice including the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus), a damaging and ubiquitous pest that feeds on the roots of rice and substantially reduces yields.