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 Interstate Highway 40 in Woodruff County. Populations have also been found in Washington County in Division of Agriculture research plots.
PHOTO: HARD TO MISS — Rice delphacid nymphs are “pretty unique,” oval shaped, tan-colored and have racing stripes down their sides. (Arkansas Division of Agriculture photo.)
