MOUNTAIN HOME, TX – The Rice Delphacid (RD) is an invasive insect that has been a serious pest in rice in Central and South America and in the Caribbean. It was discovered in Texas in 2015 and has caused damage sporadically since that time. However, in 2025, the level of infestations and damage has increased significantly. The insect is also a vector of a disease called Rice Hojo Blanca Virus (RHBV).
The RD is a piercing-sucking insect that directly injures rice plants by feeding and egg laying. The adults are about ¼-inch in length and are brown with a yellow stripe down the back. They suck the sap of the plant which can cause senescence and eventually death. The insect feeding can cause yellowing of leaves called “hopperburn.” Another type of damage is that the insect excretes a sticky substance called “honeydew” which can coat plant leaves and lead to the growth of “sooty mold” which can reduce photosynthesis.
RHBV can lead to severe reductions in tillering and plant height and, if severe enough, can cause eventual plant death. The virus has been especially damaging in Central and northern South America. In some growing seasons, the disease has led to losses approaching 50 percent of production.
In 2025 in Texas, the insect was more widespread in first crop rice than had been noted since it was first identified. However, it has been devasting in ratoon production in some fields and has been reported to be present in every field of ratoon. Incidences of RHBV are also showing up much more frequently in ratoon fields.
The insect was found for the first time in Louisiana this year, both in north Louisiana and Calcasieu Parish which is just across the Sabine River from Texas, as well as in Arkansas. Infestation levels are becoming higher in north Louisiana leading to insecticides being used in a number of fields. The insecticides available for the control of the insect are marginal at best and have a short residual leading to the necessity of repeat applications. Scouting for the insect is encouraged – look out for hopperburn, sooty mold, and the insect itself preferably using a sweep net.
USA Rice recently facilitated the formation of the Delphacid Task Force to coordinate strategies to address these emerging issues. The taskforce is made up of research and extension scientists from all the southern rice producing states as well as consultants and farmers. The taskforce will facilitate multi-state research in insecticide screening, resistance breeding efforts, agronomic practices, and other appropriate areas.
Prior to the discovery of the insect in 2015, the RD was identified sporadically in the 50s and 60s and outbreaks of RHBV were reported in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Both the insect and the disease basically disappeared until its rediscovery in 2015. The rice industry needs to make the assumption that the insect and RHBV are here to stay and make every effort to address these issues.
The Rice Delphacid and the Rice Hojo Blanca Virus will be featured on
The Rice Stuff podcast next week.