Weeds are creeping into Western Visayas rice fields

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY – Weed cover in monitored rice fields across Western Visayas reached 9.42% in August, nearly double the 5% level that the Department of Agriculture (DA) said could cause significant yield losses when sustained throughout the crop cycle.

Guimaras recorded the highest weed cover at 12.33%, followed by Antique at 12.11%, Capiz at 8.94%, Iloilo at 8.84%, and Aklan at 7.22%, according to the DA-Western Visayas Regional Crop Protection Center’s (RCPC VI) August 2026 Rice Pest and Disease Monthly Bulletin.

Regional weed cover also increased from June to August, with nearly half of the monitored fields still in the vegetative stage.

The RCPC VI said timely weed management is important during this stage because weeds compete with rice plants for nutrients, water, sunlight, and growing space.

It advised farmers to control weeds before they reach the reproductive stage by using appropriate cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods based on field conditions rather than relying solely on herbicides.

Aside from weed infestation, the bulletin recorded an increase in leaf blast, which had the highest incidence among the monitored rice diseases in August at 1.39%.

Bacterial leaf blight followed at 0.88%, while brown spot was recorded at 0.36%.

The RCPC VI called for continued monitoring of leaf blast and advised farmers to use balanced fertilizer, avoid excessive nitrogen, maintain proper plant spacing, and consider resistant or tolerant varieties.

Fungicides should be applied only when economically justified and according to recommended label instructions.

Insect pest levels remained generally low during the month.

Deadheart incidence was recorded at 0.67%, while whiteheads stood at 0.56% and rice bugs at 0.01%.

Other monitored pests, including brown planthoppers and green leafhoppers, were at very low or negligible levels.

The RCPC VI said the figures do not warrant broad or calendar-based insecticide applications, urging farmers instead to regularly scout their fields and preserve natural enemies.

Rat injury also increased to 0.27% in August after declining from June to July, although the incidence remained relatively low.

The RCPC VI recommended community-based rat control measures, including field sanitation, removal of rat shelters, synchronized trapping, and coordinated management among neighboring farmers.

Overall, rice pest and disease pressure in Western Visayas remained low to moderate in August, with weed infestation and leaf blast requiring continued monitoring.

The bulletin was issued under the DA’s Pest and Disease Risk Identification and Management (PRIME) project, which monitors rice pests and diseases and provides management advisories.