India - Advisory for Stunted growth of paddy crop

Stunted growth of paddy crop reports appeared in print and electronic media and a central team was formed to assess the extent and severity of this disease. The team visited various parts of paddy growing areas of Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. Samples were collected and analysed in the labs. The scientific studies have identified Southern Rice Black-streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV) in the analyzed samples. It gave initial indication of SRBSDV association with stunting in rice. However, the relationship of white backed planthopper (WBPH) as vector of SRBSDV is being carried out under controlled conditions to establish its transmission under field conditions.

Advisory

1. Keep field bunds clean and remove weeds around the field.

2. At early stage, infected seedlings should be properly diagnosed and discarded during early growth stage.

3. If the infection rate ranges between 5-20%, diseased tillers should be replaced with tillers.

4. Farmers should regularly monitor the rice crop for the presence of white backed plant-hopper (WBPH). A few plants in the field should be slightly tilted and tapped 2-3 times at the base at weekly intervals. WBPH nymphs/adults, if present, may be seen floating on water.

5. On observing the WBPH, spray  viz. Pexalon 10 SC (triflumezopyrim) at 235 ml/ha or Osheen/Token 20 SG (dinotefuran) at 200 g/ha or Chess 50 WG (pymetrozine) at 300 g/ha. For better results direct the spray towards the base of the plants.