Insecticides are commonly used in other states for midge and rice worm control, however, there have not yet been major pests in Oregon. Algal blooms are common in warm-climate paddy production and can quickly smother wild rice seedlings. Copper sulfate application may be required to control algae. Diseases, especially Helminthosporium brown spot, are a significant problem in Great Lake paddy production but have been insignificant in northern California. Traces of Helminthosporium have been found in Oregon, but it is not known if the disease will become a serious problem.
Birds are a problem in all production areas.
Black birds have not been a problem in Oregon to date, but are likely to become a problem as acreage increases. For combine harvest, fields are drained 2 to 3 weeks prior to harvest to allow the soil to dry. Most fields have been harvested using rice combines brought from California, but conventional combines can be used if fields are dry enough. Grain is harvested near 40 percent moisture, and the decision to send the seed for processing or keep it for planting seed must be made at the combine. Timely processing is critical.