Rice worm threatens bumper rice crop in Berbice

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Friday said it has sent a team to investigate reports that some Corentyne rice were affected by a worm infestation.

Region Six is expecting a bumper harvest for the first crop 2018 with some 56,000 acres sown.

“Farmers of the No. 63-68 villages, Corentyne, had reported an invasion of the planthopper, a known pest of rice last month, and had been advised on methods of control, but now farmers in other areas are reporting an invasion of worms that have not yet been verified.

“The farmers are claiming that the worms have affected the yields of rice ready for harvest,” the GRDB stated.

The Rice Board said it had verified the presence of the Plant Hoppers in the 63-68 areas and had recommended measures of control using systemic insecticides.

The GRDB has advised rotating the use of insecticides if more than one application is required and farmers may also contact the respective extension officers for advice on issues of control of the planthopper.

“Farmers in all rice growing regions of the country are asked to report any issues affecting rice production in their areas to the respective extension officers of the Guyana Rice Development Board,” the GRDB stated.