As dwarf virus creeps into 6 Punjab districts, Ludhiana farmers stand guard

At a time when Punjab’s paddy fields should be flourishing in the monsoon warmth, farmers in six districts are instead battling stunted crops and growing anxiety as the Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) tightens its grip for the third consecutive year. Though no case has been reported in Ludhiana this season, farmers are on high alert, inspecting their fields daily and watching for any signs of abnormal growth.

Agricultural experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have issued an advisory urging timely vigilance, thorough inspections and immediate reporting of suspicious symptoms.

The SRBSDV, transmitted by the white-backed plant hopper (WBPH), leads to narrow upright leaves, poor root development, reduced plant height — often to just one-third of the normal size —and eventual withering of the crop.

“In districts of Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Nawanshahr, Ropar and Mohali, the virus has hit early-transplanted fields hardest, particularly in varieties like PR 114, PR 128, PR 132, and Pusa 44. Weather plays an important role. Monsoon arrived early this year and it can be one of the factors behind spread of the virus. Visually, it looks like the crop is underfed — but molecular diagnostics clearly point to a viral agent. Farmers, who transplanted paddy early, are witnessing stunted growth in certain patches, while neighbouring areas remain unaffected,” said Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU.

While Ludhiana’s fields remain unaffected for now, farmers like those from Samrala — whose crops were devastated in 2022 —remain cautious. “We know what this virus can do. Every day, I inspect the field row by row,” said farmer Gurpal Singh, echoing a widespread sense of unease.

Another farmer, Balkar Singh from a village near Machhiwara said he had a bad experience two years ago. Balkar had to plough paddy after virus was detected in his fields. “I am regularly monitoring plants every day. I am on strict guard this year, especially after virus has been detected in some parts of Punjab and Haryana,” he said.

Meanwhile, experts from PAU have advised farmers to stay vigilant about symptoms of plant dwarfing.

“The virus affects rice plants by stunting their growth, leading to narrow and upright leaves, poor root and shoot development, and a drastic reduction in plant height, often to half or even one-third of normal size. In severe cases, plants may wither and die prematurely, resulting in substantial yield loss. Farmers noticing any such symptoms in their fields should inform the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or contact PAU directly for expert guidance,” said Dr Gosal.

Dr KS Suri, Principal Entomologist, PAU, stressed on the importance of regular field surveys to detect the presence of the SRBSDV, especially in rice nurseries and young fields. He advised farmers to conduct weekly checks by gently tilting and tapping the base of rice plants, a method that helps dislodge white-backed plant hopper (WBPH) nymphs or adults, which can then be seen floating on water surfaces.

“Upon detection of WBPH, farmers should take timely action and use insecticides recommended by PAU. These insecticides include Pexalon 10 SC (triflumezopyrim) at 94 ml/acre, Ulala 50 WG (flonicamid) at 60 g/acre, Osheen/Dominant/Token 20 SG (dinotefuran) at 80 g/acre, Imagine 10 SC/Viola 10 SC (fluprimin) at 300 ml/acre, Orchestra 10 SC (benzpyrimoxan) at 400 ml/acre and Chess 50 WG (pymetrozine). For one acre, 120 gram of insecticide is to be dissolved in 100 litres of water. The insecticide has to be sprayed directed specifically at the base of plants using proper nozzles like flat-fan or hollow cone for maximum effectiveness. The indiscriminate or unnecessary use of pesticides can lead to pest resistance, environmental harm and loss of biodiversity,” said Dr Suri.