Oryzophagus oryzae (Costa Lima, 1936) is one of the most important pests of irrigated rice, whose control is made traditionally with granulated insecticides on the irrigation water. However, the use of insecticides on the seeds has been considered a promising method. Although there are adequate implements to apply insecticides on the seeds, it’s hard to make this treatment with quality and in a big quantity, few days or hours before sowing. In this context, the viability of treat the rice seeds in an advance of sowing date has been evaluated. Two experiments were performed at Embrapa Clima Temperado, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil in 1997/98 and 2004/05. The experimental design was in blocks at random with four repetitions, being evaluated the insecticides carbosulfan and fipronil applied manually to the seeds of rice in different times that preceded the sowing. Germination power and vigour, emerged plants, larval population and grains productivity were considered. The rice seeds treatment with insecticides in advance of sowing date trying to achieve the control of O. oryzae, demonstrate viability. The insecticides carbosulfan and fipronil are adequate to advance seeds treatment, if applied until 75 days before sowing.
Oryza sativa; rice water weevil; chemical control
