2020 Rice Insect Losses in the United States

Insects have the potential to reduce quality and yield in rice throughout the US. It is important to document these reductions over time to determine shifts in control costs and pest densities. Estimates of the costs and losses associated with multiple insect pests of rice were compiled for 6 rice-producing states. Participating states included Arkansas, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, which account for approximately 90% of the rice grown in the US. Overall, insects accounted for over $340 million in costs and losses during 2020, averaging over $120 per acre. Rice water weevil and rice stink bug accounted for over 70% of the total losses plus costs estimates for 2020.