Insect bringing Tungro Virus in a Rice Field

Plant pests and diseases have a negative effect on our ROI (Return on Investment). Management and control techniques incur additional costs to minimize losses as much as possible. Rice, being one of the most important crops, requires diligent care. Rice farmers experience significant declines when their fields are affected by diseases and pest attacks. One of the diseases they contend with is Rice Tungro Virus.

List of Contents
I. Who is responsible for bringing the virus to your rice plant?
II. Tungro Disease Prevention

Rice Tungro disease is caused by the two viruses which are the rice tungro baciliform virus (RTBV) and rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV). Plants affected by the disease can experience delayed growth, delayed flowering, and a reduction in the potential grain harvest. The leaves of the affected rice plant turn yellow and orange-yellow, starting from the tip and extending down to the lower portion. The Tungro virus impacts all stages of the rice plant's growth, particularly affecting the vegetative stage.

"Tungro is one of the most damaging and destructive diseases of rice in South and Southeast Asia. In severe cases, Tungro susceptible varieties infected at an early growth stage could have as high as 100% yield loss." - IRRI

Moreover, Tungro Virus diseases are often mistakenly identified as nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly observe our plants to ensure their safety from this destructive disease.

Who is responsible for bringing the virus to your rice plant?

Courtesy: Plant Wise Plus Knowledge Bank

The vectors of the Tungro Virus in your rice plants are the Green Leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens, and Nephotettix malayanus. These two species of leafhoppers are more dominant in rainfed and wetland areas. They feed on plant sap using their needle-shaped mouths.

Tungro Disease Prevention

To prevent Tungro disease from ruining your rice field, you can practice crop rotation to keep pests away during certain times. It's advisable to plant rice varieties that are resistant to the virus in case there's a Tungro case in the area. You can also use light traps to deter insects from your rice field.

"The study conducted from the wet season to dry season titled Genotypic responses of newly released rice varieties to local rice diseases in Western Visayas, showed that NSIC Rc238, Rc278, Rc280, and Rc282 showed resistance against tungro in 29 sites." - PHILRICE