The LSU AgCenter is reporting that a new pest has been destroying Louisiana rice fields since at least 2004. Problem is, it hasn't been identified, and as of yet it is unclear whether this is an invasive pest or a never-before-seen species. The pest in question is a tiny fly, known only as a rice whorl maggot (apparently not the same as other species given the same common name). In the coming months researchers will be studying the effects of the fly in the hopes of determining early warning signs of infestation, and finding effective pesticides.
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