PAU Warns Farmers to Stay Vigilant Against Rice Dwarfing Disease This Season
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana, July 17, 2025 – The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has issued an advisory to rice farmers across Punjab to remain alert for signs of rice dwarfing disease during the 2025 kharif season. The disease, caused by the Southern Rice Black-streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV), poses a serious risk to paddy crops, having previously caused extensive damage in 2022 across districts like Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Pathankot, SAS Nagar, and Gurdaspur.
The virus severely stunts plant growth, resulting in narrow, upright leaves, underdeveloped roots and shoots, and significantly shorter plants—often reduced to one-half or even one-third of their normal height. In advanced stages, infected plants may die prematurely, leading to drastic yield loss.
Dr. P.S. Sandhu, Head of the Department of Plant Pathology at PAU, said that although no infections have been detected so far this season in surveyed rice nurseries, continuous monitoring is underway. He urged farmers to report any unusual symptoms immediately to their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or PAU experts for timely support and diagnosis.
The primary carrier of SRBSDV is the whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), a common pest in Punjab’s rice-wheat cropping system. Dr. K.S. Suri, Principal Entomologist at PAU, emphasized the need for weekly field inspections, especially in nurseries and young rice fields. He advised farmers to gently tap the base of rice plants to check for the presence of WBPH nymphs or adults, which float on water after dislodgement.
In case of detection, PAU recommends targeted spraying of approved insecticides including:
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Pexalon 10 SC (triflumezopyrim) – 94 ml/acre
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Ulala 50 WG (flonicamid) – 60 g/acre
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Osheen/Dominant/Token 20 SG (dinotefuran) – 80 g/acre
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Imagine 10 SC/Viola 10 SC (fluprimin) – 300 ml/acre
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Orchestra 10 SC (benzpyrimoxan) – 400 ml/acre
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Chess 50 WG (pymetrozine) – 120 g/acre
Dr. Suri stressed that sprays should be applied at the plant base using flat-fan or hollow-cone nozzles and warned against indiscriminate pesticide use, which may cause resistance, ecological imbalance, and harm to biodiversity.
Dr. M.S. Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at PAU, cautioned that stunting and poor tillering might also be symptoms of zinc deficiency, which could lead to misdiagnosis. He encouraged farmers to seek expert advice before treatment to ensure accurate identification and proper nutrient management.
Dr. A.S. Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, reassured farmers that the university has robust systems in place to detect SRBSDV accurately and promptly. He added that PAU scientists are also monitoring potential alternative host plants and weeds that may carry the virus. Dr. Dhatt urged farmers to regularly consult PAU’s advisories and bulletins for up-to-date guidance on disease and pest management.