What invasive species are threatening Louisiana rice farmers?

Invasive apple snails and delphacids are threatening Louisiana rice farmers.

How are apple snails impacting rice crops?

Apple snails can destroy entire fields of young rice plants, forcing farmers to use more expensive planting methods.

Could climate change be contributing to the spread of invasive pests?

Experts suggest that a warming world may be aiding the spread of these invasive pests, making them harder to manage.

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Invasive Snails Devour Louisiana Rice Crops

6 Feb

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Summary

Apple snails and delphacids are invasive species threatening Louisiana farmers.
Invasive pests have caused significant damage to rice fields in Louisiana.
Climate change may be exacerbating the spread of invasive agricultural pests.

Invasive Snails Devour Louisiana Rice Crops

Invasive apple snails and delphacids are creating a nightmare for farmers in southern Louisiana, particularly those cultivating rice and crawfish. Apple snails, first noticed in significant numbers after a 2016 flood, can destroy entire fields of young rice plants. Farmers are adapting by using more expensive dry-then-flood planting methods. Separating snails from crawfish also adds extra labor and time to harvesting.

Meanwhile, tiny delphacid insects are piercing rice plants and spreading viruses, mirroring severe outbreaks in Texas where yields dropped significantly. Experts suggest that a warming world might be aiding the spread of these pests, making it harder for farmers to predict and manage them. This dual threat impacts farmer revenue and could lead to increased rice prices for consumers, as researchers explore solutions that don't harm crawfish populations.