Gokseong-gun Makes All-Out Effort to Preemptively Block Rice Pest 'Meknorinjae'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Yoo Geun-gi) has launched multifaceted efforts to preemptively block the expected increase in the occurrence of the rice pest Stink Bug (Meoknorinjae) this year due to abnormal high temperatures in winter.

On the 26th, Gokseong-gun announced that it has confirmed the implementation of an eco-friendly control pilot project for the rice pest Stink Bug. They are also working to prevent the occurrence of the pest by monitoring its overwintering status.

The Gokseong Agricultural Technology Center conducted focused surveillance on the overwintering status of the Stink Bug by inspecting the ridges of rice paddies and nearby mountain foothills, especially in eco-friendly rice cultivation areas that suffered significant damage last year. The investigation revealed that the Stink Bug overwinters under stones on the ridges, in the gaps between grass roots, and in accumulated fallen leaves at adjacent mountain foothills.

Based on the overwintering survey results, Gokseong-gun plans to try a new control method using trap plants to manage the Stink Bug. From late April to early May, corn will be planted at regular intervals along the ridges of rice paddies to attract and control the pests. This method utilizes the ecological behavior of the Stink Bug, which overwinters in mountain foothills and ridges and moves to the ridges in search of food around May to June.

Along with the trap plant control method, from late June to early July, the “Eco-friendly High-Quality Rice Production Sudden Pest Control Project” will be implemented. Through this project, eco-friendly pesticides will be provided for 1,150 hectares of eco-friendly cultivation areas to conduct focused control of the Stink Bug.

Additionally, during the Stink Bug occurrence period, a patrol inspection team will operate. This team will conduct detailed surveillance in areas where pests and diseases frequently occur to minimize damage.

The Stink Bug is a representative pest causing significant damage in rice farming, producing one generation per year. A single female lays an average of 30.7 eggs, with up to 55 eggs. When the Stink Bug occurs, damage occurs from the rice transplanting period through the late growth stage, causing rice grains to become empty husks, which greatly affects the harvest yield.

It is especially a major concern for eco-friendly farms where control is difficult. This year, due to the average temperature this winter being about 2.5℃ higher than usual, a greater occurrence is feared. Considering that eco-friendly materials used in eco-friendly cultivation have limited control effects in the main field and that late-stage control is particularly difficult, control methods that reduce initial density are important.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.