Atyid shrimp

The primary crop damaged by Atyidae is rice (Oryza sativa). These crustaceans are particularly destructive during the seed germination and seedling establishment phases. In flooded paddies, high populations of shrimp graze on the tender tissues of young plants, severing roots and shoots. This feeding activity often results in a significant reduction of plant density, leading to crop failure and the need for replanting.

The biology and lifecycle of Atyid shrimp are highly adapted to stable aquatic habitats. They possess a high reproductive rate, with females carrying eggs through various stages until they release free-swimming larvae. Temperature and water chemistry are the main drivers of population growth. In managed rice systems, the abundant supply of algae and decaying organic matter provides an ideal nursery for these crustaceans to thrive in large numbers.

The damage caused by these pests includes mechanical injury to the basal stem and root zone of rice seedlings. Beyond direct consumption of plant tissue, the constant movement and burrowing activity of the shrimp increase water turbidity, which negatively impacts the photosynthetic efficiency of the crop. Such stress makes the rice plants more susceptible to secondary infections and environmental challenges, ultimately reducing the final yield.

Effective management and protection strategies include:

• Implementing intermittent irrigation practices to dry out paddies and break the life cycle of the shrimp.
• Installing fine-mesh screens on water inlets to prevent the ingress of crustaceans from natural water sources.
• Monitoring population density and applying selective control measures only when thresholds are exceeded.
• Promoting a balanced ecosystem to support native predators that feed on juvenile shrimp.