The U.S. EPA has granted a Section 18 Quarantine Exemption allowing the use of Courier insecticide (buprofezin) from April 15, 2026 through March 19, 2029 to control rice delphacid (insecticide label below). Courier is registered at 9.0–13.6 fl oz/acre with up to two applications allowed per year. Several studies have demonstrated effective control of delphacid nymphs with Courier applied at 13.6 fl oz/acre. An additional active ingredient may be needed if high numbers of adult delphacids are also present. An additional Section 18 exemption is being sought for Centric (thiamethoxam) for this purpose but is still under review. Transform and Tenchu are currently registered and have been shown to be compatible when used with Courier. Do not apply COURIER SC if the rice fields are used for aquaculture, including crawfish production. The toxicity of Courier to crawfish has not yet been investigated.

Infestations of rice delphacid can increase rapidly and frequent sweep net scouting is recommended. Economic thresholds have not yet been developed, but control efforts should aim to reduce infestations prior to observing plant symptomology (yellowing/wilting) (Image 1A). Insecticide applications cannot rescue fields from hopper burn (Image 1B).

The pest status of rice Delphacid in Louisiana in 2026 is unknown. Care should be taken to correctly identify the insect species as other planthoppers that are not pests occur in rice. Please report suspected rice delphacid infestations to LSU AgCenter extension personnel prior to making insecticide applications.

Section 18 approved Courier SC label can be accessed here: 2026-03-23 Courier Section 18-Rice Delphacid-LA FINAL with dates - PDF