Southern Rice Black‐Streaked Dwarf Virus in the Rice Ecosystem of Haryana, India: Emerging Risks, Ecological Establishment and Management Strategies

ABSTRACT

Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), a member of the genus Fijivirus (family Reoviridae ), has newly emerged threat to rice ecosystem of Haryana, India. This perspective complies recent observations on the emergence, distribution, epidemiology and management of SRBSDV in rice ecosystem of Haryana, where the disease was first reported during kharif 2022. No outbreaks were reported during the kharif 2023 and 2024 due to unfavourable climatic conditions, sustained effective preventive measures and increased awareness among farmers. However, in kharif 2025, the disease re‐emerged across all major rice growing districts of Haryana, likely associated with favourable climatic conditions and decline in effective preventive measures, awareness and relatively casual attitudes among farmers, possibly resulting from the absence of outbreaks in the preceding 2 years. This re‐emergence of SRBSDV suggests a potential phase of establishment under favourable agro‐climatic conditions. Field observations revealed characteristic symptoms, including severe stunting, dark green erect leaves, excessive tillering, poor root development and poor/no panicle formation. The disease is transmitted by the white backed planthopper ( Sogatella furcifera ), whose migratory behaviour, rapid population build‐up and interaction with environmental factors collectively play a crucial role in SRBSDV outbreaks. In several districts of Haryana, the infection level was found relatively low due to uprooting and destroying the stunted rice plants by the farmers. The estimated crop loss in affected fields remained relatively low, about 5% to 10%; however, the expanding spatial distribution and recurrent outbreaks indicate a high epidemic potential. Therefore, in this article, we have presented our perspectives on emerging risks of SRBSDV in the rice ecosystem of Haryana, India and management tactics, including cultural practices, vector surveillance and timely insecticidal interventions.