Harvesting crawfish typically begins in late December or early January, depending on conditions. Continued dry weather will have adverse effects on production next year, regardless of the Icon situation. We just don't know enough about how severe drought conditions affect crawfish production. Because there are so many unanswered questions about the relationship between Icon, the drought and crawfish production, AgCenter scientists are in somewhat of a dilemma about stocking recommendations. Based on what is known so far, the AgCenter specialists are telling farmers that it is probably safe to stock crawfish in fields that were planted with Icon in 1999.
Soils tests show there is no detectable residue left from Icon.
However, the specialists are not recommending the stocking of crawfish in fields planted with Icon this season. For the most part, rice farmers have had rave reviews about Icon, said Dr. Johnny Saichuk, AgCenter rice specialist. Farmers have alternative ways to control the rice water weevil. However, the other insecticides require more intensive management because of the timing of the applications, said Dr. David Boethel, assistant director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the AgCenter. There are restrictions on producing crawfish following the use of the other insecticides, also.