From UCCE Rice Advisors Luis Espino and Whitney Brim-Deforest
Dear Rice Grower/Cooperator:
The University of California is conducting a survey of weedy rice infestation and rice production practices that may affect weedy rice persistence and infestation levels. As you know, weedy rice is a pest problem with the potential to cause significant losses to the rice industry in California. UC is trying to collect information that will help the industry to develop better prevention and management practices against this weed. We need your help in order to accomplish this. You were selected to participate in this study because you grow or have grown rice in the past.
The survey is intended for rice growers or their field managers. Anyone completing the questionnaire should be over the age of 18. The questionnaire is available in electronic format: http://bit.ly/WeedyRice. You may also receive a paper version of the survey (you only need to complete the survey once).
The questions should only take about 15 minutes to complete. Your responses are voluntary and confidential. Your answers will never be associated with your name or email address. We assure you that the information you provide will be used for research and extension activities aimed to help manage this weed and eliminate crop production losses due to weedy rice. UC will use the information as a tool to educate and work with Farm Advisors, Pest Control Advisers, chemical and seed industries, government agencies, and rice growers to develop and implement better stewardship practices to sustain rice production. A summary of these findings will be made available to you via bulletins, grower meetings, and the internet.
