Late-planted paddy varieties PR 126, PR 131 and PR 121 had lower incidence of disease
The incidence of Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV) that causes stunting of plants is much lower on paddy transplanted late as compared to the early crop besides saving irrigation water, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana has advised the farmers.
PAU has stated that the incidence of the virus was 0.7% and 0.6% on paddy varieties PR 126, PR 131 and PR 121 transplanted on July 5 and July 15 respectively.
The white-backed plant hopper transmits the SRBSDV, which causes stunted/dwarfed plants in paddy. The PAU Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement) G S Mangat said they had conducted research in which it was noticed that stunted plants were comparatively less in late transplanted paddy.
“During the kharif 2022 season, the incidence of SBSDV was noticed. Although during 2023, no incidence of this virus was reported, still we have to be vigilant about it. Farmers are advised to keep surveying the fields right from nursery sowing for the presence of white-backed plant hoppers, which spread this disease,” he advised.
Mangat said for insect surveillance, a bulb should be lit near the nursery/field as the insects are attracted to light during the night. He said recommended insecticides should be sprayed upon the appearance of plant hoppers. “Moreover, it was noticed that stunted plants were comparatively less in late transplanted rice. Therefore, sowing of early nursery (before May 25) and early transplanting (before June 25) should be avoided,” he advised.
Dates for transplanting paddy PR varieties and incidence of virus
| Date of transplanting | Yield (quintals per acre) | #Incidence of virus disease (% plants stunted) | ||
| PR 126 | PR 131 | PR 121 | ||
| June 15 | 29.6 | 36.8 | 32.3 | 16 |
| June 25 | 34.8 | 38.0 | 33.5 | 9.8 |
| July 5 | 37.5 | 34.6 | 32.2 | 0.7 |
| July 15 | 36.1 | 32.0 | 29.0 | 0.6 |
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