Mexican Rice-Borer Appears In Western Louisiana

Matt Hopkins Posted by Matt Hopkins|30 December 2008

According to Louisiana, US, agriculture and forestry officials the Mexican rice borer insect, which attacks sugarcane, rice, and other similar grass crops, has moved into western Louisiana.

The behavior and development of the Mexican rice borer (Eoreuma loftini) protect it from pesticides, making it difficult to control in sugarcane. It quickly bores into the plant, which protects it from chemicals, parasites, and predators, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Gene Reagan, who estimates annual yield losses from the pest could approach US $45 million in rice and $200 million in sugarcane in Louisiana.