Armyworms in rice

Summary

The common armyworm Leucania convecta (Mythimna convecta) was a serious problem for NSW rice producers during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 rice seasons, particularly in the Murray Valley.

Major crop damage occurred, partly as a consequence of inadequate crop monitoring in the period leading up to harvest, and also for logistical reasons, principally a shortage of aircraft and poor weather conditions preventing prompt chemical application.

Agronomists have estimated that around 60% of Murray Valley rice crops required spraying for armyworm during the 2012/13 season.

Topics include:

• damage
• biology and management
• crop monitoring