The Missouri Ag Department says 11 counties in the Missouri Bootheel are allowed to apply Intrepid 2F Insecticide to mitigate armyworms in rice.

A crisis exemption went into effect late last week and University of Missouri Extension’s Justin Chlapecka says the insecticide isn’t typically used on rice.

“There’s data using this product on armyworms for rice and other crops to ensure there’s a good kill.”

The MDA says will work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to extend the exemption through the end of September.

Chlapecka says a significant moth flight has happened in the last week or two and there were lots of eggs laid, which isn’t expected to affect the early planted rice, but “some of this later rice that’s not yet headed, we might run into some applications for armyworm in the next 7 to 10 days.”

MDA says it’s likely 60,000 acres of Missouri rice will experience fall armyworm populations that require this insecticide, due to recent winds from Hurricane Beryl.

Applicators must have the Intrepid 2F Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act or FIFRA Section 18 Emergency Exemption label in their possession when applying the product.

Published Date: July 24, 2024