Certified seed production returned to normal levels in 2023. The CA Crop Improvement Assn. passed 27,818 acres for seed. Field inspections were initiated in early August and the last inspections took place in early October.
Rice production in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region has been steadily increasing in recent years (Table 1). While Delta acreage is only a fraction of that in the Sacramento Valley, Delta yields are consistent with statewide averages.
PCAs and growers were very creative and timely in planning and applying products this year, and control was good in many fields. The two most widespread weed control problems that I noticed this year were the watergrass complex and sprangletop.
In the past three years, there has been an increase in the number of reports of damage to rice by rice seed midge in the Sacramento Valley. During 2021 and 2022, the issue was not widespread, but there were some instances where the damage was severe.
