Sunday, July 6, 2025

Rice Pests Threat Damaging Farms 

AMID AN ANTICIPATED good rice harvest, the threat that pests like rodents, rice stem borers, brown planthoppers and rice bugs could infest standing crops until June in the rice farms of Central Luzon, Western Visayas, CAR, and the Bicol region.

This prompted the Philippine Rice Research Institute to warn farmers in these regions to intensify their monitoring for signs of these pests. Central Luzon is the country;s rice granary and top rice producer in 2024.

‘If left unmanaged, PhilRice said these pests could lead to “significant” yield losses … Even minimal negligence can escalate into severe infestations that compromise yield and quality.’

If left unmanaged, PhilRice said these pests could lead to “significant” yield losses.

“Regular field monitoring and timely pest control are crucial at this point in the season. Even minimal negligence can escalate into severe infestations that compromise yield and quality,” said Leonardo Marquez, PhilRice crop protection expert, in a statement.

Marquez noted that rodents are the leading threat due to their “destructive feeding behavior” throughout the crop’s growth stages, urging farmers to remain vigilant.

“A single rodent can damage up to 300 tillers in one night, potentially causing yield losses of up to 90 percent in heavily infested fields. Farmers are advised to look for burrows, footprints, and chewed tillers, and to destroy nests on sight.”

STEM BORERS
PhilRice said the rice stem borers remain a persistent problem. This pest bores into stems, causing “deadheart” and “whitehead” symptoms that could reduce grain development.

Brown planthoppers, which thrive in nitrogen-rich environments, suck sap from plants and cause hopperburn, leading to premature death. Rice bugs target maturing grains, which results in empty or discolored kernels.

Marquez stressed the importance of integrated pest management strategies, including community-wide synchronized planting, controlled nitrogen use, and crop rotation.

He also warned farmers to be cautious of overusing insecticides, since improper application can lead to pesticide resistance and disrupt populations of beneficial insects.

“Farmers are encouraged to coordinate with their local agriculture offices and consult extension workers for pest surveillance and management support.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Brace Up!

WITH elections taking place a few months from now,...

Chinese Espionage is Real…...

WHAT used to be no more than a fictional...

Biggest Chunk goes to...

THE 2025 General Appropriations Bill that has been approved...

Q Fever Is Rife

Since before the 15th century A.D. goats were introduced...

Spooks & Crooks

NOTWITHSTANDING reforms infused by one administration after another, the Bureau...

Newsletter

Related

Did The 19th Senate Cover Up For Sara?

By threatening to dismiss through voting the impeachment articles...

₱50k Entry Pay For Teachers

THE ALLIANCE OF Concerned Teachers (ACT) group is pushing...

To Boost Investment Efforts, BOI Donates Cars to N....

IN A DISPLAY of confidence and support, the Board...

Remulla Eyes Ombudsman’s Office 

JUSTICE SECRETARY JESUS Crispin Remulla’s manifest interest in applying...

Comply Or Defy

WINNING AN ELECTION fair and square does not automatically...

More from Author