White‑Backed Planthopper SBRSD Virus Control in Rice Crops – 2025 Advisory

Learn how to manage the White‑Backed Planthopper SBRSD virus control in rice crops. Updated pest alert and rice protection strategies for Indian farmers in 2025.

Rice Farming in India Faces New Threat from SBRSD Virus

As rice remains the lifeblood of India’s agriculture economy, the emergence of the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SBRSD) transmitted by the White‑Backed Planthopper (WBPH) has raised alarms. In July 2025, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) issued an urgent pest alert to farmers, agronomists, and agricultural officers across the country to contain and mitigate the spread of this virulent disease.

Unlike routine infestations, the SBRSD virus has the potential to devastate entire paddy fields if ignored. The IARI advisory underlines the critical need for rapid action, identification, and targeted pest management solutions, especially among vulnerable rice-growing regions in Eastern India.

---

Understanding the Virus and Its Carrier

The Vector: White‑Backed Planthopper (WBPH)

The White‑Backed Planthopper is a small, flying insect known for its sap-sucking activity in rice plants. While usually manageable, the latest concern is its newly established role as a carrier of the SBRSD virus, a highly infectious disease that impairs rice plant development.

The Disease: Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SBRSD)

This virus attacks the vascular system of rice plants, causing:

• Severe stunting
• Dark green discoloration
• Delayed flowering
• Excessive tillering
• In extreme cases, total crop failure

---

---

Purchase Today

Signs to Watch: How to Identify SBRSD Virus in Rice Fields India

Farmers are urged to monitor fields daily. Look for:

• Shortened internodes in younger plants
• Dark streaks along the leaf sheath
• Stunted growth and twisted leaves
• Presence of adult WBPH on lower leaves
• Delayed heading even in mature plants

Early detection can mean the difference between partial loss and total devastation.

---

Disease Incidence and Spread: Recent Observations

As of July 2025, sporadic outbreaks of SBRSD were reported in paddy-growing belts of:

• Eastern Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Odisha
• West Bengal

Weather fluctuations, especially the high humidity and intermittent monsoon showers, have created conducive conditions for the virus to proliferate via the WBPH.

---

Effective SBRSD Disease Management for Small Rice Farms

The IARI recommends an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, especially for small-scale farmers who are the most vulnerable. Key steps include:

Cultural Control

• Avoid staggered sowing which allows pest cycles to continue.
• Practice synchronous planting within a region to minimize vector population.
• Destroy infected stubbles immediately after harvest.

Mechanical Control

• Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce adult WBPH.
• Apply light traps during evening hours to attract and trap planthoppers.

Biological Control

• Introduce predatory spiders and mirid bugs that prey on WBPH.
• Use Neem-based biopesticides to deter adult vectors.

Chemical Control

• Spray Dinotefuran 20% SG or Imidacloprid 17.8% SL at recommended dosages.
• Limit overuse of insecticides to prevent resistance buildup.

📌 For detailed IPM modules and syllabus on rice crop diseases, visit the syllabus section of Edunovations.

---

Expert Insight: “Timely action is crucial”

Dr. R. Anandakumar, a plant virologist at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, emphasized:

“The SBRSD virus is not new globally, but its transmission through WBPH in India is worrying. We must emphasize field scouting and adopt eco-friendly controls before chemical options become necessary.”

---

Tech Support and Digital Tools for Farmers

To bolster digital awareness and accessibility of information, farmers can:

• Download NCERT agriculture notes from Edunovations Notes
• Watch field technique videos via Edunovations Videos
• Access NCERT courses designed for rural students on Edunovations Courses
• Shop free downloadable NCERT PDFs via Edunovations Shop

---

Support for Schools and Farming Communities

Schools wishing to integrate agricultural awareness programs can build education websites through Mart India Infotech, empowering students and parents alike with real-time alerts and curriculum.

---

Government Measures and Farmer Helplines

The Ministry of Agriculture has already alerted Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in vulnerable districts to:

• Conduct field demonstrations
• Offer free diagnosis and pest management kits
• Disseminate printed advisory materials in regional languages

📞 Farmers can call Kisan Call Centre (1800-180-1551) for urgent guidance in local dialects.

---

Global Context: Not Just an Indian Issue

Countries like China and Vietnam have previously reported SBRSD epidemics. Their experiences showed:

• Up to 40% yield losses
• Difficulty eradicating WBPH without combined community effort
• Need for strong government coordination in surveillance

India is proactively addressing the situation, but vigilance is needed to stay ahead of the curve.

---

Conclusion

The outbreak of the White‑Backed Planthopper SBRSD virus control in rice crops requires immediate collective action. From understanding early signs to adopting integrated management, this is a moment for farmers, scientists, and policymakers to collaborate.

Effective containment of this pest-disease complex will not only safeguard India’s rice economy but also reinforce its food security strategy in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

For daily agriculture alerts, current affairs, and subject-specific resources:

• Current Affairs
• Free MCQ Practice
• NCERT Mind Maps for quick revisions

---

❓FAQs on SBRSD Virus and Planthopper Management

1. What is the white‑backed planthopper SBRSD virus control in rice crops?
   It refers to managing the Southern rice black‑streaked dwarf virus transmitted by the WBPH insect.
2. How to identify SBRSD virus in rice fields in India?
   Look for stunted growth, black streaks on stems, twisted leaves, and the presence of WBPH.
3. Where has the SBRSD virus outbreak alert 2025 been reported?
   Mainly in Eastern Indian states like Bihar, UP, and West Bengal.
4. What chemical sprays are recommended for controlling WBPH in infected rice fields?
   Dinotefuran 20% SG and Imidacloprid 17.8% SL.
5. Can small rice farms manage SBRSD virus without heavy pesticide use?
   Yes, through early detection and integrated pest management including biological and mechanical control.
6. Is SBRSD a new disease in India?
   It’s newly emerging in India via WBPH, though known in other rice-growing Asian nations.
7. Are any mobile apps or websites available to help rice farmers tackle SBRSD?
   Yes, platforms like Edunovations offer educational tools, videos, and current affairs.
8. Can neem oil help against white‑backed planthopper infestations?
   Neem-based biopesticides are recommended as a part of eco-friendly pest control.
9. What’s the incubation period for SBRSD virus symptoms after infection?
   Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days post infection by WBPH.
10. Who can farmers contact for free expert guidance on SBRSD virus control?
    KVKs and the national Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551.