Rice pest infestation hits Chungnam province, urgent control measures advised

Chungnam province is estimated to have received the largest influx of rice planthoppers in South Korea this year, prompting urgent calls for thorough pest control measures. The Agricultural Technology Center of Chungnam Province reported that out of 494 predicted domestic migrations of the pest between June 17 and July 23, 91 were estimated to have landed in the province.

Shin Chang-ho, an agricultural extension officer at the center, stated, "This year, Chungnam has the highest estimated number of rice planthopper arrivals in the country." These migratory pests originate from southern China and are carried by monsoon currents to South Korea. If the control period, typically from late July to early August, is missed, the damage can escalate rapidly, as a single insect can lay up to 450 eggs.

The rice planthopper feeds on the sap of rice stalks, causing them to wither and die. Early detection is crucial, as the presence of the pest may not be immediately obvious from the general appearance of the field. Farmers are advised to inspect the lower parts of the rice stalks, about 10 cm above the water level, by carefully parting the leaves.

"With adult planthoppers expected to appear from late July, now is a critical time for damage prevention," Shin emphasized. "Since control becomes difficult once the rice fields turn yellow, please conduct thorough preliminary surveys inside the rice stalks." For effective pest management, registered pesticides must be used, ensuring the spray reaches the base of the rice plants.