Rice: cercospora slipping through in Louisiana

Cercospora, a disease usually associated with soybeans, is widespread this year in Louisiana's rice fields. Johnny Saichuk, the state's Extension Rice Specialist, said none of the rice fungicides currently labeled or approved for use in rice are very effective at controlling this disease. And he said it’s possible fungicides used on rice to fight other diseases may have allowed cercospora to flourish.

The problem is complicated because a rice plant loses natural defenses as it matures, he said. Saichuk added that it’s possible cercospora could affect a second rice crop, but that’s not been proven.

Michael Hensgens with G&H Seed Co. in Crowley said the disease has shown up in all varieties of rice, including hybrids.

• AgFax News, Downloads
• Subscribe to our reports