Damyang-gun Operates Pest Control Period for Major Rice Diseases and Pests Until the 17th

Increased Pest and Disease Outbreaks Expected Due to Hot and Humid Climate

[Damyang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Damyang County in Jeonnam recently announced on the 3rd that it has designated the period until the 17th as the "Basic Rice Pest and Disease Control Period" and urged farmers to carry out timely control measures, anticipating an increase in rice pests and diseases due to the recent hot and humid environment.

The targets for control include rice blast, leaf sheath blight, and invasive pests (rice planthopper, white-backed planthopper, and rice stem borer). Neglecting control measures at the early stages of these pests and diseases can lead to reduced yield and quality deterioration.

Recent intensive monitoring results show an increase in leaf blast occurrence, which, if left untreated, can progress to rice blast causing expected damage. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out integrated pest management including invasive pests when 1 to 2 rice panicles begin to emerge.

A county official stated, "Since the hot and humid environment during the rainy season may cause the occurrence and spread of rice pests and diseases, thorough preventive control is necessary," and urged, "Please strictly adhere to safety usage standards such as whether to mix pesticides during control and wearing protective clothing."