REVISING MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE RICE STINK BUG IN SOUTHERN RICE

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: 3D GRANT
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0219170
• Grant No.: 2009-41530-05693
• Proposal No.: 2009-01252
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2009
• Project End Date: Aug 31, 2012
• Grant Year: 2009
• Program Code: [QQ.S]- Integrated Pest Management - South Region

Recipient Organization
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE,LA 70803-0100

Performing Department
Entomology

Non Technical Summary
The rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax, is the most important late-season insect pest of rice in the southern United States. Adults and nymphs of this insect remove the contents of developing rice grains using their piercing-sucking mouthparts. Feeding by rice stink bugs can result in reductions in both yield and grain quality, but, at infestation levels typically found in commercial rice fields, reduction in grain quality is probably the more important type of damage. Management programs for the rice stink bug throughout the south are outdated and inadequate, and there is a compelling need for re-evaluation and revision of all aspects of the rice stink bug management programs used throughout the south. This need can be summarized in five points: First, insufficient information on the incidence and severity of stink bug infestations and on insecticide use patterns is available to generate precise estimates of economic impacts of stink bugs; second, the insecticides used against rice stink bugs are damaging to the environment and/or human health, and heavy use of these insecticides may be leading to the development of insecticide resistance; third, the economic thresholds used to guide applications of insecticides were generated using varieties, market conditions and agronomic practices that are now obsolete, and recent evidence from Texas strongly suggests that these thresholds should be substantially higher; fourth, there is a need for further evaluation of neonicotinoid insecticides, which are less damaging to the environment and have longer residual activities than currently used insecticides; and fifth, there is a need to begin to evaluate non-chemical alternatives for stink bug management. The overall goal of the proposed extension work is to improve rice stink bug management programs in southern rice-producing states by facilitating the anticipated adoption of neonicotinoid insecticides, and by educating stakeholders with respect to these changes. Pre- and post-study surveys will be developed and delivered to stakeholders in the South to assess the current status of rice stink bug management programs and (after the proposed funding period) to evaluate the rate of adoption of new recommendations. Rice stink bug density-damage relationships will be characterized to allow the generation of revised economic thresholds for stink bugs, and the influence of rice variety on stink bug damage will be investigated, as a first step in understanding the potential role of plant resistance in rice stink bug management programs. The efficacies and residual activities of dinotefuran and clothianidin (two neonicotioids) against the rice stink bug will be evaluated. Finally, the feasibility of tank-mixing a neonicotinoid and a fungicide and applying the tank mix at early stages of rice heading will be assessed. Successful completion of the integration of new, higher, thresholds and new insecticides into management programs will result in programs that are more cost-effective and less damaging to the environment and human health than current programs.

Animal Health Component

100%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

100%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
211	1530	1130	15%
211	3110	1130	15%
211	5220	1130	15%
216	1530	1130	15%
216	3110	1130	15%
216	5220	1130	25%

Knowledge Area
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1530 - Rice; 3110 - Insects; 5220 - Pesticides;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology;

Keywords

rice stink bug,

evaluation,

integrated pest management, rice,

neonicotinoids

Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of the research proposed here is to improve rice stink bug management programs in southern rice-producing states by updating the thresholds that guide applications of insecticides, by facilitating the anticipated adoption of neonicotinoid insecticides, and by educating stakeholders with respect to these changes. Objective 1 (research/extension): Evaluate current management programs for the rice stink bug. Objective 1a. Characterize regional variation in stink bug management practices. An incomplete understanding of regional variation in rice stink bug management hinders region-wide efforts to improve management programs. A survey will be developed and delivered to stakeholders in the beginning of the funding period to assess the current status of management programs. Objective 4 (extension) Implement revised recommendations. Objective 4a. Prepare and disseminate educational materials. The adoption of new insecticides (if registered during the funding period) and new thresholds for insecticide use will represent a significant departure from past practices. Changes to existing recommendations will be delivered to stakeholders by a variety of means. Objective 4b. Conduct demonstration trials of new products and new thresholds. Once new insecticides are registered, replicated demonstration trials will be conducted at multiple locations throughout Louisiana. These trials will compare the new products to old products to demonstrate increased efficacy or residual activity of products. Also, new thresholds will be compared to old thresholds in side by side field comparisons. Objective 4c. Evaluate changes in practices used by farmers, consultants and other stakeholders. This evaluation will be accomplished by developing and delivering post-study surveys to assess changes in insecticide use patterns and adoption of recommendations that result from this study.

Project Methods
Objective 1 Evaluate current management programs. Objective 1a. Characterize regional variation in stink bug management practices. A web-based Zoomerang survey will be developed and delivered to survey participants (farmers, consultants, field scouts, chemical reps, mills, county agents, state specialists, and other supporting personnel) through e-mail or in a paper form and the responses entered into the web-based survey. The survey will be delivered to participants in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. The following are examples of the subjects of questions (information) that will be included in the survey: RSB sampling method and frequency, thresholds for treatment, insecticides and rates used, number of insecticide applications per season, changes in insecticide use practices, severity of historical infestations. Questions will be designed in such a way as to provide ease of answer using a Likert Scale. The responses gathered in this survey will be summarized in a report presented to clientele at stakeholder meetings as well as through the internet, extension publications, newsletter articles and other forms of media. This survey will provide baseline data and also function as a pre-test survey that will allow us to measure the impact of our subsequent research and extension educational program on recommended changes in rice stink bug management. Survey responses will also assist in developing economic data on the impact of rice stink bug on rice production in the south. Without this baseline data, we would not be able to measure changes in behavior and economic impact of our research and extension program. Objective 4 Implement revised recommendations. Objective 4a. Prepare and disseminate educational materials. Numbered publications and websites will be prepared detailing revised rice stink bug recommendations, developed as a regional publication and delivered to stakeholders through presentation at field and production meetings. Objective 4b. Conduct demonstration trials of new products and new thresholds. These demonstration plots will be replicated at individual farms from different regions of the state. Studies will compare 1) thresholds for treatment and 2) new versus old pesticides used to control rice stink bug. In the threshold demonstration, we will have paired fields - one managed according to old thresholds for treatment, the other field managed using new thresholds for treatment. In the insecticide demonstration, we will compare newly registered insecticides and timings of application to old insecticides. Number of rice stink bugs in fields at 72 hr and 7 days after treatment, and rice quality data will be gathered and analyzed. Grower meetings at demonstration fields will allow for presentation of research generated data at the field site. Objective 4c. Evaluate changes in practices used by farmers, consultants and other stakeholders in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas. Post-study surveys will be designed and delivered to growers using Zoomerang software. Survey data will be summarized in a report that will be delivered to stakeholders as a numbered publication and also at producer meetings.

Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A graduate student was recruited to complete the objectives of the project, and work on extension-related objectives of the grant was carried out during the 2010, 2011, and 2012 growing seasons. Updates on research progress and modifications of recommendations for rice stink bug management were disseminated in educational materials via newsletter articles, blog postings, popular press, grower's meetings, and extension publications. Revised management guidelines will be developed and disseminated widely via all of the avenues described above durring 2013. A survey of management practices used by growers against rice stink bug and other pests given at grower's meetings in 2010 and 2011. Results were distributed by blog posting and presentation at consultant's meetings and grower's meetings. Analysis of a 2013 follow-up survey will provide much-needed information on practices currently used by growers. Data suggesting incipient resistance in rice stocking to pyrethroids helped justify a Section 18 registration for the neonicotinoid, Tenchu, in multiple states in 2011 and 2012. Commercial-scale demonstration trials of Tenchu and registered pyrethroids were conducted during 2011 growing season and growers were apprised of results via blog postings and talks. Multiple talks to growers about stink bug management were presented annually, and advanced training on stink bugs and their management was provided to county agents 2011. A video detailing proper methods for scouting rice stink bugs was developed and is on the LSU AgCenter website. PARTICIPANTS: Michael Stout (PI), Natalie Hummel, K. Machtmes, B. Blackman, LSU AgCenter (Hummel resigned AgCenter in 2012); M.O. Way, Texas A&M; J. Bernhardt, Univ. of Arkansas (retired 2011); K. Tindall, University of Missouri (resigned in 2011). TARGET AUDIENCES: Rice growers and consultants PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Departure of several of the project Co-PIs necessitated re-focusing efforts on Lousiana; Stout and Blackman assumed greater extension-related duties

Impacts
The goal of this research-extension project was to improve rice stink bug management programs in southern rice-producing states by updating the thresholds that guide applications of insecticides, by facilitating the anticipated adoption of neonicotinoid insecticides, and by educating stakeholders with respect to these changes. Extension-related outcomes include the following. The survey data in 2010 and 2011 provided baseline data on management practices used against the rice stink bug in the southern U.S and will allow us to measure impact of revised recommendations and educational programs in 2013 and beyond. Survey data as well as results of acute toxicity testing were used in the justification for Tenchu Section 18s. Results from on-farm demonstration trials showed that both pyrethroids and the neonicotinoid Tenchu provided adequate control of rice stink bugs and reduced peck induced below 1%. In cases of severe stink bug infestations, Tenchu appeared to provide superior control. Dissemination of results in extension publications, blog postings, and grower's meetings led to increased dialogue with farmers about stink bug management, and issuance of revised guidelines in 2013 is expected to result in changes in grower practices.

Publications

• B. Blackman, N. Hummel, M. Stout, A. Meszaros, J. Beuzelin, K. Collins, B. Courville, T. Erwin, R. Ferguson, M. Frey, N. Huff, and L. White. 2012. RICE STINK BUG MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION IN COMMERCIAL RICE FIELDS IN LOUISIANA, 2011 Ann. Res. Rpt., Rice Res. Stn., LSU Agricultural Center 103, 333-335.

Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Revised recommendations for RSB management were disseminated in educational materials via newsletter articles, blog postings, popular press, and grower meetings. Continued use of these educational channels should encourage adoption of new insecticides (Tenchu 20SG was used on many farms in the demonstration test) and new thresholds for insecticide use will represent a significant departure from past practices. PARTICIPANTS: Michael Stout (PI), Natalie Hummel, and Krisanna Matchmes, LSU AgCenter; Mo Way, Texas Agrilife; Kelly Tindall, University of Missouri; and John Bernhardt, University of Arkansas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Rice producers, crop consultants and dealers across the southeastern portion of the U.S. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The research improved rice stink bug (RSBb) management programs in southern rice- producing states. A survey was delivered to stakeholders in January 2010 and 2011 to assess the current status of management programs. Results were distributed via a blog posting. To facilitate the use of neonicotinoids, an EPA Section 18 request was approved for Tenchu 20SG in Louisiana. It was (in July 2011) and tested in a series of nine demonstration fields. Dissemination of survey results has created more conversations with producers concerning stink bug management problems. The survey data, combined with this ongoing dialogue, have increased our understanding of current RSB management programs. Survey data was used in the Section 18 request submitted to EPA for Tenchu 20SG. In on-farm trials, both Tenchu 20SG and pyrethroids provided adequate control of RSB and reduced peck to below 0.9. In cases with severe insect pressure, Tenchu 20SG provided greater residual control. Grower presentations: Rice stink bug management, 3rd Annual Advanced Entomology Training; Insects and insecticides, NE Louisiana Rice/Soybean Field Day; Early planting date water weevil survey, Vermilion Rice & Soybean Field Tour; Entomology Stop, LSU AgCenter Rice Station Field Day; Update on insect problems in the 2011 field season, Rice Agent Training; Rice water weevil demonstration tour stop at Simon field site, LSU AgCenter Rice Station South Farm Tour; Rice insect update, Southwest rice tour; Rice insect update, Vermilion Parish rice meeting; The importance of controlling insects, St. Martin Rice Production Meeting; Seed treatments in rice - spectrum of control, problems with adult RWW feeding, Louisiana Agricultural Technology and Management Conference; Rice Insects/Insecticide update, Northeast LA Rice Forum; Avoyelles Parish Rice Production Clinic, Rice water weevil management and introduction to the online rice insect identification guide; Rice Water Weevil Demonstration Test, 2010 Results, 39th Annual Vermillion Parish Rice School; Rice Insect Control, Acadia Parish Rice & Soybean Producers Meeting; Rice Water Weevil Demonstrations & Other Insect Observations, Evangeline Parish Rice School; Rice Insect Management, Southwest Louisiana Rice and Soybean Forum.

Publications

• Hummel N.A., Meszaros A., Blackman B.B., Stout M.J., Way M.O., Tindall K., Lorenz G., Gore J., Bernhardt J. and Machtmes K. 2011. Multi-state rice insect survey, 2009. Southeastern Branch ESA/Caribbean Division APS Joint Meeting. San Juan, PR. Mar 22. (Poster) Abstract.
• Hummel, N.A. 2011. Rice stink bug control in second crop rice. Louisiana rice insects blog. Posted Aug 25.
• Hummel, N.A. 2011. Section 18 approved for Tenchu 20SG in LA rice to control rice stink bugs (amended). Louisiana rice insects blog. Posted Jul 14.
• Hummel, N.A. 2011. It is time to start scouting headed rice for rice stink bugs. Louisiana rice insects blog. Posted Jun 17.

Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Dissemination of survey results has created many more conversations with producers about their stink-bug problems. The survey data, combined with this ongoing dialogue, have increased our understanding of current RSB management programs. Survey data was also used in the Section 18 request submitted to EPA for Tenchu 20Sg. We were able to quantify the problems with resistance and multiple insecticide sprays for RSB in the southern region. Grower presentations. 2009 and 2010. Hummel N.A. 2010. Rice insect pest management. Northeast Research Station Field Day. St. Joseph, LA. Jul 20. Hummel N.A. 2010. Northeast LA Rice/Soybean Field Day. Rayville, LA. Jul 14. Hummel N.A. 2010. Water Seeded Rice Water Weevil Control Plots. Vermilion Rice & Soybean Field Tour Farm Field Day. Jul 13. Hummel N.A. 2010. Rice water weevil and rice stink bug scouting and management. East Carrol Parish rice school. Tallulah, LA. Jul 9. Hummel N.A. 2010. Rice water weevil demonstration test at Lawson Farm Results. Horizon Ag Field Day. Crowley, LA. Jul 6. Hummel N.A. 2010. Rice insect pest management. Rice station field day. Crowley, LA. Jul 1. Hummel N.A. 2010. Rice water weevil demonstration results and introduction to online ID guide. Rice agent training. Jun 30. Hummel N.S. 2010. Rice insect update and RWW demonstration data at Hoffpauir test plot. Rice and Soybean Field Day, South Farm. Rayne, LA. Jun 16. Hummel N.A. 2010. Rice insect update and rww evaluation data at Pousson test plot. Southwest rice tour. Welsh, LA. May 26. Hummel N.A. 2010. Dermacor, Cruiser plotwork, colaspis & weevil control. Evangeline Parish rice field day. Mamou, LA. May 25. Hummel N.A. 2010. Insect Management in rice. Madison Parish Ag Day. Richmond, LA. Feb 17 Hummel N.A. 2010. Louisiana rice insects symptomology. 3rd Annual Louisiana Crops Symptomology Symposium. Alexandria, LA. Feb 10. Hummel N.A. and Stout M.J. 2010. Insect control/problems encountered in 2009. St. Martin Parish Rice Meeting. Breaux Bridge, LA. Feb 9. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. Rice Water Weevil Control. Concordia Parish Crop Production Meeting and Pesticide Recertification. Monterrey, LA. Jan 29. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. Rice Insect Control. Aerial Applicators Recertification at the Louisiana Aerial Applicators Association Annual Meeting. Lake Charles, LA. Jan 27. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. Rice Insect Control. Avoyelles & Rapides parish Rice Production Clinic. Bunkie, LA. Jan 15. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. 2009 Rice Water Weevil Demonstration Test. Pesticide Applicator Cat 1 and Cat 10 recertification meeting. Alexandria, LA. Jan 13. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. Rice Water Weevil Demonstration Test, 2009 Results. 37th Annual Vermilion Rice School. Kaplan, LA. Jan 8. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. Rice Insect Control. Acadia Parish Rice & Soybean Producers Meeting, Crowley, LA. Jan 7. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. Rice Insect Management. Evangeline & St. Landry Parish Rice & Soybean Producers Meeting. Ville Platte, LA. Jan 6. Hummel N. and Stout M. 2010. Rice Water Weevil Management, Southwest Louisiana Rice and Soybean Forum, Welsh, LA. PARTICIPANTS: Michael Stout, Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge. Natalie Hummel, Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge. Krisanna Matchmes, LSU AgCenter Mo Way, Texas Agrilife Kelly Tindall, University of Missouri John Bernhardt, University of Arkansas TARGET AUDIENCES: Rice producers, crop consultants and dealers across the southeastern portion of the U.S. Target audience was engaged in a dialogue about rice stink bug management practices via extension meeting presentations, websites, blogs and field meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The goal of the proposed research is to improve rice stink bug management programs in southern rice-producing states by updating the thresholds that guide applications of insecticides, by facilitating the anticipated adoption of neonicotinoid insecticides, and by educating stakeholders with respect to these changes. Specific extension objectives include: Objective 1a. characterize regional variation in stink bug management practices. A survey was delivered to stakeholders in January 2010 and 2011 to assess the current status of management programs. Results were distributed via a blog posting. To facilitate the use of neonicotinoid chemistries, we submitted a section 18 request for the use of Tenchu 20SG in Louisiana in the 2011 crop season. Obj 4 implement revised recommendations. Obj 4a Prepared and disseminated educational materials about rsb management via newsletter articles, blog postings, popular press, grower meeting. Continued use of these educational channels should encourage adoption of new insecticides (Tenchu 20SG, if registered during the funding period) and new thresholds for insecticide use will represent a significant departure from past practices.

Publications

• Hummel N.A. and Stout M.J. 2010. LSU AgCenter Rice stink bug research and extension programs. Louisiana Farm and Ranch. August 2010. 6(8): 30-31.
• Hummel, N.A. 2010. 2009 Louisiana rice insect survey part one. Louisiana rice insects blog. Posted Nov. 1.
• Hummel, N.S. 2010. 2009 Louisiana rice insect survey part two. Louisiana rice insects blog. Posted Nov. 9.