Sungju County announced that, due to the predicted increase in the domestic influx of rice planthoppers and concerns over their proliferation and spread amid the ongoing high temperatures, it conducted monitoring activities on September 4, focusing on major affected areas within the county.
This monitoring was a preemptive measure to prepare for rice planthopper damage, with direct inspections carried out on 54 plots considered at risk within the county.
The monitoring was conducted swiftly and systematically by dividing into four teams by region, focusing on key plots that had experienced damage in the previous year.
The rice planthopper enters the country from southern China, carried by air currents, and inhabits the area about 10 centimeters above the water surface at the base of rice stalks.
This pest inhibits the growth of rice by sucking sap from the stems and, in severe cases, can even cause the plants to wither and die. Notably, symptoms of withering are concentrated between late August and early September.
Additionally, since the rice planthopper has limited mobility, its density tends to increase around the points where it first enters.
Based on the monitoring results, Sungju County plans to conduct a detailed analysis of the current pest and disease situation and strengthen publicity activities for farmers, including guidance on timely control methods and preventive measures.
Kim Juseop, Director of the Sungju County Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "With the heat expected to continue until mid-September, there are concerns about the spread of rice planthoppers. Therefore, early monitoring and rapid control are more important than ever," adding, "We will spare no effort in providing necessary control guidance and technical support based on the monitoring results."
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