Louisiana Rice: Grape Colaspis Advisory Issued

Johnny Saichuk, Louisiana Extension Rice Specialist, issued a special advisory Monday regarding grape colaspis, which appear to be turning up in some south Louisiana rice fields.

Saichuk showed photos of a field thinned by the pest and said grape colaspis was suspected in several other locations.

"It is a common pest of rice in Arkansas and was found in Louisiana around 25 years ago by Dr. Steve Linscombe," Saichuk noted. "At that time each case Dr. Linscombe found was an isolated case. This time we think this field (in the photos) is one of several that all started
showing similar symptoms late last week. While we have not confirmed it in all cases we are certain that is the problem in this field."

Click here for the full advisory (PDF file).

-- Owen Taylor