In California,the major option is removing vegetation around the perimeter
of the fields. This removes over-wintering and spring adult weevil habitat.
The downside of this is that it also removes habitat for desirable aquatic
birds and other animals. Weed control and optimal planting conditons
(proper seed bed and nutrients) of course let the rice plants grow quickly
to outgrow the developing weevils.
Some organic growers may drill-seed their rice. (Conventionally, rice seed
is flown on to flooded fields ) This means the fields are not flooded at
the time of the flights of the overwintering adult weevils, so egg laying
is reduced. Fields are flooded later. However, weed problems under this
water management regime are intense and rice yields may be reduced.
Premium prices for orgainc rice somewhat offset the yield reduction.
Other methods have been tried with varying successes and new ideas
are being tested such as winter flooding.
****************************************
Kathy Brunetti, Agriculture Program Supervisor
California Department of Pesticide Regulation
1020 N Street Room 161, Sacramento, California, USA 95814-5624
voice (916) 324-4100, FAX (916) 324-4088, brunetti@empm.cdpr.ca.gov
Our Web site: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov
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