Rice Insecticidal Seed Treatment Recommendations for Mississippi in 2011

In Mississippi, the rice water weevil is the most important early to mid season pest in rice.  Three years of research have shown that foliar pyrethroid applications provide variable results, and may not always provide acceptable control.  In contrast, insecticidal seed treatments have been more consistent. Two insecticidal seed treatments are currently available for rice in Mississippi. They are Cruiser and Dermacor.  At the currently labeled rates, both of these seed treatments have provided good control of rice water weevil.  Yield increases have averaged 8.3 bushels per acre for Cruiser and 11.8 bushels per acre for Dermacor. In most cases, these yield increases equate to a net economic return for growers using either seed treatment. Because of that, rice growers in Mississippi should consider using one of these seed treatments on their farms, especially in areas with historically moderate to high levels of weevil pressure.  More detailed information about rice water weevil control is included in the attached links.

Cruiser and Dermacor Rice

Nipsit Rice

Foliar Rice Water Weevil

Hybrid Rice Seed Treatments