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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The Mexican rice borer continues to move east across Louisiana

The Mexican rice borer (MRB) has now been found near Lake Charles, LA. It is important that you learn to identify this pest, and distinguish it from other borers that can be found in rice or cane. You can study up on the pest by downloading LSU AgCenter numbered pubs which are linked to this blog posting. If you find a larvae in rice or cane and suspect that it is MRB, please call me and we can arrange to pick up the sample.

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Mexican rice borer extends reach into Louisiana

The Mexican rice borer, a threat to sugarcane and rice, has moved eastward from Texas extending farther into Louisiana. The insect was first found in Louisiana in December 2008 north of Vinton. On Nov. 22, 2010, four male adults were found in a pheromone trap about six miles southwest of Sulphur, according to Gene Reagan, LSU AgCenter entomologist. Chris Carlton, director of the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum, confirmed that these trap catches were Mexican rice borers.

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Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry – Outreach Sessions, March 2010

In March 2010, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will host nine outreach sessions throughout Louisiana. The sessions are designed to inform the agricultural community, decision-makers and the general public about LDAF’s mission and responsibilities.

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