Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV)
Source : Indian Express
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What is discussed under Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV)?
- About SRBSDV
- Corrective Measure
Why in News ?
The scientists at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) solved the mystery and blamed the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV), named after Southern China where it was first reported in 2001.
About SRBSDV
- The mysterious disease that struck the paddy crop and caused “dwarfing” of the plants in Punjab and Haryana.
Photo by Sandy Ravaloniaina on Unsplash - First time that SRBSDV has been found in Punjab.
- The incidence of stunting was more pronounced in early sown paddy crops, irrespective of the variety.
- As per the scientific reports, the SRBSDV is transmitted by white-backed plant hopper (WBPH) in a persistent circulative and propagative manner.
- SRBSDV also infects different weed species as nymphs of WBPH can transmit the virus more efficiently as compared to adults.
- Long-distance transmission of this virus may occur through WBPH migrating with the typhoons and strong convection winds.
- Dwarfing of plants was reported at 10% to 25% in general and in some cases, it exceeded 40%.
Corrective Measure
- No corrective measure for the viral disease.
- Farmers should regularly monitor the crop for the presence of WBPH and a few plants should be slightly tilted and tapped 2-3 times at the base at weekly intervals.
- If WBPH nymphs/adults are seen floating on water, then insecticides, including Pexalon 10 SC (triflumezopyrim) @ 94 ml/acre or Osheen/Token 20 SG (dinotefuran) @ 80 g/acre or Chess 50 WG (pymetrozine) @ 120 g/acre, can be sprayed towards the base of the plants.
- Since stunting was found to be more prevalent in the early transplanted crops, producers are encouraged to abide by the PAU’s recommended transplanting dates.
- In addition to controlling the viral illness, it will also conserve water.
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