Various rice varieties are cultivated across different regions of the country. While each variety has its unique characteristics, farmers are currently facing challenges related to their rice crops. The culprit is a virus originating from China, first detected in 2001. This virus causes rice crops to turn black. Initially found in southern China, it was named Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSD). Government and agricultural scientists in Haryana are now on high alert due to this virus. This article explains the virus and how it harms crops.
Haryana has a significant area under rice cultivation, a staple crop for farmers. The basmati rice from this region is renowned globally. However, its reputation is now under threat, a concern acknowledged by the government. The issue of this virus was recently raised in the Haryana assembly. Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana stated that the virus has affected approximately 92,000 acres of the 4 million acres of rice crop sown in the state.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and advises that farmers can mitigate the impact of such diseases by following agricultural scientists’ recommendations and government guidelines during rice planting.
What is the SRBSD Virus?
The Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSD) was first detected in China. Until 2008, the virus’s impact was limited to southern China. It was first detected outside of China in Vietnam in 2009, and since then, its effects have been observed in other countries.
How does this virus affect rice?
This virus spreads through the White-backed Plant Hopper (WBPH), a vector that sucks the sap from rice plants, transmitting the virus from infected plants to healthy ones. Simply put, the virus stunts the growth of rice plants. Plants affected by this disease become up to 40% shorter, significantly impacting yield.
It is believed that the virus’s impact increases rapidly after the crop is planted, leading to crop failure. Severely infected plants wither and die, and the lower parts of the plants turn black. Small, striped white or black waxy galls are also visible on the stems of infected plants.
How long does the virus’s effect last?
Studies on the SRBSD virus show that it is most effective in the early stages, potentially reducing crop production capacity by up to 50%. However, its impact diminishes over time. The virus is most serious when the crop is sprouting. If the crop survives that phase, there is no need to worry. This disease was detected in India three years ago.
How to protect your crop from the virus?
Scientists have issued several advisories to combat this virus. Agricultural scientists provide information to farmers about this virus during rice planting. According to the advisories, if White-backed Plant Hopper is detected in the field, farmers should spray Paxolem 10 SC (Triflumizopyrim) 235 ml per hectare, Oshin Token 20SG (Dinotefuran) 200 grams per hectare, or Chase 50 WG (Pymetrozine) 300 grams per hectare. For safer and better results, spray the medicine at the base of the plant, which prevents the virus from spreading.
Which rice varieties are affected?
Several rice varieties are being affected by this virus. Research by MARU IARI has shown that this virus impacts Basmati (Pusa-1962, 1718, 1121, 1509, 1847, and CSR-30) and non-Basmati (PR-114, 130, 131, 136, Pioneer Hybrid, and Arai Swift Gold), among others. This has resulted in reduced production and the inability to meet market demand.
