PAU-KVK calls for timely monitoring of paddy nursery for effective 'Dwarfing Virus' control
Ferozepur, May 19, 2026:
Problem of dwarfing in rice plants is an emerging issue in Punjab, and has been reported in many fields in recent past. Timely adoption of management practices is very important to prevent crop losses. In this regard, a training camp was organized on April 19, 2026, by the team of PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ferozepur at village Bhamba Landa to create awareness among farmers.
During the camp, Dr. Gurmail Singh Sandhu informed farmers that Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is a newly emerging viral disease of rice. All the paddy varieties are susceptible to this disease. Infected plants show severe stunting or dwarfing and fail to grow normally even after application of recommended doses of nutrients. In extreme cases, plants remain only one-third to half or two-thirds of their normal height. Leaves become short, dark green and stiff, roots remain shallow and plants can be easily uprooted. The virus is transmitted by the whitebacked planthopper. Since no curative treatment is available for viral diseases, management should focus on preventive measures. Farmers whose fields showed this disease in previous years were advised to remain vigilant. Continuously monitor nursery and transplanted fields for the presence of whitebacked planthopper; if the insect vector is observed, apply the recommended pesticides accordingly. Farmers are advised to keep field bunds and irrigation channels free from weeds.
Dr. Simranjit Kaur, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), informed farmers about seed treatment for effective disease management in paddy and basmati crops. She advised treating paddy seed with 3 grams Sprint/kg seed. For the management of foot rot disease in basmati, she recommended seed and seedling treatment. For this, smear the seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma asperellum 2% WP, PAU strain @ 15 g per kg of seed immediately before sowing and seedling root dip for 6 hrs with Trichoderma asperellum 2% WP, PAU strain @ 15 g per litre of water before transplanting. Besides this, she highlighted the importance of soil testing also and balanced use of fertilizers in kharif crops.
Dr. Divya, Assistant Professor (Home Science), shared information about various training courses conducted by KVK for farmers and rural women, including beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, bakery products, detergent and soap making, etc. She explained that through these training courses, farmers can adopt subsidiary occupations besides farming and increase their income.