Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 26: Mild dwarfing symptoms have been observed in early-transplanted rice fields near the Punjab border in Kathua, raising a precautionary flag from SKUAST-Jammu.
The affected plants, showing stunted growth and reduced vigour, were first reported by KVK Kathua. Based on visible signs and the presence of White-Backed Planthopper (WBPH) — the known vector — the condition is suspected to be caused by the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV).
This development mirrors similar incidents from Kharif 2022 in Punjab, Haryana, and isolated pockets of Jammu province. The virus has already been reported from multiple locations in Punjab and Haryana during Kharif 2025, making early detection and advisory essential.
A scientific team from SKUAST-Jammu, led by Dr Rajan Salalia (Entomology) and Dr V B Singh (Plant Pathology), along with Dr Vishal Mahajan (KVK Kathua) and Dr Anamika Jamwal (KVK Kathua), visited the site yesterday.
With the technical guidance of Director Research Prof S K Gupta and Director Extension Prof Ambrish Vaid, the team recorded 1–4 percent dwarfing in PR 113 and Samana Shakti 7501 varieties, along with a low WBPH population — sufficient to raise concern as but not panic.
“It’s not an outbreak yet — but symptoms and vectors demand attention. Acting early ensures protection without panic,” said Dr Salalia.
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