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Rethinking Rice Stink Bug Control
For years, rice growers had a reliable answer for rice stink bug control. Affordable pyrethroid insecticides delivered consistent results and kept one of rice's most common pests in check. But as performance has declined in some rice-growing regions, growers have been forced to rethink their management strategies.
Today, many rice producers are searching for effective alternatives for control. That’s where Transform® WG insecticide is generating new interest.
A Familiar Pest with Real Economic Consequences
Rice stink bugs are found virtually everywhere rice is grown. They overwinter in grasses and small grains, making them a recurring challenge year after year.
"If you have rice, you're going to do something to treat it," said Hunter Bowman, Ph.D., technical field agronomist for Corteva Agriscience. "Rice stink bug is probably the most common pest in rice."
Left uncontrolled, rice stink bugs feed directly on developing kernels, reducing grain quality and marketability.
"It pierces the rice kernel and sucks the sugars out before that kernel gets hard," said Bowman. "You end up with pecky-looking rice."
For years, growers relied on pyrethroids to manage the pest effectively and economically. But that landscape has changed.
When Old Solutions Stop Working
In 2022, Bowman started noticing pockets of inconsistent control in certain areas of Mississippi.
At the time, options were limited. Researchers pursued emergency registrations and alternative products to help growers maintain control.
In 2024, Bowman noticed rice stink bug was on the label for Transform® WG insecticide, but few people were talking about it.
That curiosity sparked a multi-year evaluation effort.
“This will be our third year testing it,” said Bowman. “The data has made us confident that we can control rice stink bugs with Transform® WG insecticide at a rate of about 2.75 ounces per acre.”
What Growers Are Seeing in the Field
Commercial use during the 2026 season has provided valuable real-world observations.
Bowman says performance has generally been strongest where rice acres are more concentrated, and pest pressure is distributed across a larger landscape.
"Where there's a lot of rice around and rice stink bugs are spread out more, we get really good control," Bowman said.
In isolated rice fields surrounded by few other rice acres, pressure can become highly concentrated, creating more challenging conditions for any insecticide program. Agronomists continue to evaluate those situations as they build recommendations for growers.
Performance Matters, But So Does Practicality
When evaluating any crop protection product, efficacy is only part of the equation. Growers and retailers also need solutions they can confidently incorporate into their operations.
Because Transform is already used across multiple crops and pest management programs, it offers flexibility throughout the season. Unlike products that serve a single, highly specialized use, Transform can fit into a broader portfolio of agronomic solutions.
That versatility can provide value for retailers and growers alike, helping simplify inventory decisions while ensuring access to an effective tool when rice stink bug pressure develops.
Looking Ahead
Rice stink bugs remain a reality for nearly every rice producer. As growers continue adapting to changing pest dynamics, effective, research-backed options will play a critical role in protecting yield and grain quality.
While no single product is the answer to every pest management challenge, Transform is proving to be a valuable option for growers seeking dependable rice stink bug control and a better fit within today's integrated pest management strategies.
As additional field experience and grower feedback continue to emerge, interest in Transform's role in rice production is likely to grow right alongside it.
Learn more about developing a strong insecticide control program for rice at Corteva.com/Rice.
Transform WG insecticide is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Isoclast® is a registered active ingredient. Always read and follow label directions.
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