Rice Farming

If you scout crops, such as rice, that are abrasive to your sweep net, causing them to wear out rapidly, a Louisiana State University Extension specialist has the inexpensive solution to your problem.

Dr. Johnny Saichuk, who’s based in Crowley, La., found that the tubing used to connect refrigerator ice makers can protect the primary wear area where the fabric is in contact with the ring. That’s the same area that contacts the crop and frequently is the only place that wears out.

Saichuk purchased some ½-inch outside diameter, 3/8-inch inside diameter polyethylene tubing—the type of hard plastic tubing typically used with ice makers and other protected water lines.

He cut the tubing to length, setting it down to allow for the natural curvature. The upper surface was then slit through the entire length of the tubing.

He forced the tubing over the net and ring. The result is a protective layer between the plant and net.

He and other LSU Cooperative Extension agents have tested several nets and like the results so far.

“We have also noticed that in addition to protecting the net, it offers less resistance when sweeping,” Saichuk says.

The only drawback so far is that the net cannot be reversed.

“Often when sweeping, we reverse the net after counting insects to clean it out and simply leave it in that position for the next sample,” Saichuk says. “The process is repeated throughout the sampling period. In this case, the net must be returned to its original position or the protection will be on the wrong side of the net.”

Inexpensive ice maker tubing helps prolong life of sweep nets

If you scout crops, such as rice, that are abrasive to your sweep net, causing them to wear out rapidly, a Louisiana State University Extension specialist has the inexpensive solution to your problem. Dr. Johnny Saichuk, who’s based in Crowley, La., found that the tubing used to connect refrigerator ice makers can protect the primary wear area where the fabric is in contact with the ring. That’s the same area that contacts the crop and frequently is the only place that wears out. Saichuk purchased some ½-inch outside diameter, 3/8-inch inside diameter polyethylene tubing—the type of hard plastic tubing typically used with ice makers and other protected water lines. He cut the tubing to length, setting it down to allow for the natural curvature. The upper surface was then slit through the entire length of the tubing. He forced the tubing over the net and ring. The result is a protective layer between the plant and net. He and other LSU Cooperative Extension agents have tested several nets and like the results so far. “We have also noticed that in addition to protecting the net, it offers less resistance when sweeping,” Saichuk says. The only drawback so far is that the net cannot be reversed. “Often when sweeping, we reverse the net after counting insects to clean it out and simply leave it in that position for the next sample,” Saichuk says. “The process is repeated throughout the sampling period. In this case, the net must be returned to its original position or the protection will be on the wrong side of the net.”
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