WHARTON COUNTY — Rice producers in Wharton County are being urged to closely monitor their fields after the Rice Delphacid (RD), an invasive rice pest, was confirmed in the area this week.

According to Texas A&M rice specialist Sam Rustom, very low numbers of adult Rice Delphacids were found in a rice field in Wharton County, with another detection reported in Victoria County. The insect was first identified in Texas on June 6, 2025, and has now appeared at nearly the same time in 2026.

While the pest has been detected, officials say its presence does not necessarily mean it will cause widespread damage this year. However, producers are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue scouting their fields.

In addition to the insect’s return, Texas A&M rice pathologist Dr. Xin-Gen “Shane” Zhou confirmed that Rice Hoja Blanca Virus (RHBV), a disease spread by the Rice Delphacid, was detected in Jefferson County on June 5.

The Rice Delphacid is a piercing-sucking insect that feeds on rice plants by extracting sap. Heavy infestations can cause significant leaf damage and may even kill plants. The insect also produces a sugary substance that can lead to sooty mold growth, further stressing rice crops and reducing their ability to photosynthesize.

The pest became a major concern in Texas during the 2025 growing season, causing significant damage in both main and ratoon rice crops. Similar impacts were also reported in parts of Louisiana and Arkansas.

To help combat the pest, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this year for the emergency use of buprofezin, an insect growth regulator marketed under the name Courier. Researchers have found the product to be effective against Rice Delphacid nymphs.

Agricultural officials say monitoring efforts will continue throughout the growing season as they track both the insect and the virus across Texas rice-producing regions.