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.”