Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved an extension of the quarantine exemption, allowing the continued use of Endigo® ZCX to combat the rice delphacid. The exemption is effective immediately and will support treatment of up to 170,000 acres across 19 Texas counties.
The rice delphacid, first detected in Texas rice fields in 2018, feeds on rice plants and injects toxins that can severely reduce yields, causing “hopper burn,” plant collapse, and significant grain loss. The pest has impacted farmers throughout Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Lavaca, Liberty, Matagorda, Red River, Victoria, Waller, and Wharton counties.
Endigo® ZCX, containing thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin, remains a critical tool in managing the pest under EPA-approved guidelines. Commissioner Miller highlighted the economic importance of protecting Texas’ $145 million rice industry and thanked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for supporting the exemption despite the federal government shutdown.
“Texas rice producers have faced unprecedented challenges from this invasive species,” Miller said. “We’re working with federal partners, researchers, and the rice industry to stay ahead of this pest and protect Texas agriculture.”
