RiceLoop.com – a new online forum connecting the global rice industry

A new online forum for the rice community has been created by Kevin Reis (www.firstgrain.com) called RiceLoop. I set up my account last week and posted one comment “Hey Rice Community – is anyone out there using blogging or social media to interact with their rice producers?” Within 12 hours I had 5 comments from three different individuals. Now, if you’ve used any online forums or other forms of social media you’ll realize right off that 5 responses in such a short period of time indicates an engaged, active community. Read this post to learn more about this website, including step-by-step instructions for you to start participating.

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MRB larvae confirmed in Calcasieu Parish

About a week ago Calcasieu Parish County Agent Jimmy Meaux e-mailed me a picture of a borer larva in rice that he suspected was the Mexican rice borer (MRB). This was a highly suspect sample due to a combination of the morphology of the larva and where it was found – which was in the same area where LDAF caught the first adult MRBs in pheromone traps in Louisiana. This confirms our suspicion that MRB are now establishing and reproducing in Louisiana. I would strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with identification of this pest. Below is some information on this particular field infestation from Johnny’s Saichuk’s field notes. Following this I’m including some information on identification of MRB.

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Section 18 approved for Tenchu 20SG in LA rice to control rice stink bugs – AMENDED

A Section 18 request has been approved by EPA for the use of Tenchu 20SG on up to 50,000 acres of Louisiana rice. This product will provide an alternative mode of action to the pyrethroids that are currently registered for use in Louisiana. The exemption expires October 31, 2011.

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Northeast Louisiana rice and soybean field day – July 13 – Rayville, LA

I’ll be speaking at the Northeast Louisiana Rice and Soybean Field Day on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. The field day will be held just north of Rayville at the Elliot Colvin Farm (same location as last year). If you need directions please contact Richland Parish County Agent Keith Collins.

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