Problem of dwarfism (Fiji virus) in paddy, IARI releases advisory

17 February 2023, New Delhi: Last year, a new infestation was visible in the paddy crop across the northern states of India. It was later found to be the Fiji virus due to which a lot of damage was seen in the paddy crop.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) – New Delhi, said that the Fiji virus caused dwarfism in the paddy crops across the northern states of India. Due to this virus, paddy plants remains small (dwarf). Fiji virus was found in all types of paddy varieties causing damage in the range of 5 to 15 percent last year.

What is Fiji virus?

Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh said that the Fiji virus is a type of plant virus. This virus spreads from the affected plant to another by a white-backed plant hopper which sucks sap from the infected plant and hops to the healthy plant to suck sap. Due to this virus, the paddy crop remains dwarf (small). There is a lot of loss in its yield.

Protecting paddy from dwarfism (Fiji virus)

To save the paddy crop this year from the Fiji virus, it is necessary to control the virus-spreading insect white-backed plant hopper on time, mentioned Dr. Singh. To save the paddy crop from the attack of white-backed plant hopper, timely spraying of insecticides Osheen (Dinotefuran 20% SG) and Chess (Pymetrozine 50% WG) is essential. He further suggested using 100 to 120 grams of the suggested chemical in 100 liters of water/acre. This will save paddy crops from getting damaged due to virus outbreaks for next 20 to 25 days.

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