Paddy dwarfing disease, caused by Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV), has surfaced in Punjab, causing concern among farmers. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) confirmed the disease during surveys in 20 districts conducted in July and August 2025, with cases reported mainly in sub-mountainous regions such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Patiala.
The virus, transmitted by whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), stunts crop growth, reduces tillering, weakens root development, and causes leaves to remain narrow and upright. Experts say this year’s outbreak mirrors the weather conditions of 2022, when Punjab experienced its last major flare-up.
PAU’s field teams found that early transplantation increases vulnerability. Crops transplanted before June 20 were more exposed to WBPH migrating from grassy hosts, while fields transplanted after June 25 largely avoided early infections.
To contain the spread, PAU has issued strict insect-vector management guidelines. Farmers have been advised to closely monitor WBPH populations and use only the recommended insecticides: 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/Viola 10 SC (fluprimin) at 300 ml/acre, Orchestra 10 SC (benzpyrimoxan) at 400 ml/acre, and Chess 50 WG (pymetrozine) at 120 g/acre, all applied in 100 litres of water.
PAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, accompanied by senior scientists and extension specialists, visited affected villages in Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib to assess the situation on the ground. Farmers were urged to remain vigilant for WBPH activity and disease symptoms and to follow timely advisories from PAU’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory Service Centres.
