Question

Rice yellow dwarf disease is transmitted by:

• A. Recilia dorsalis
• B. Nephotettix virescens
• C. Nephotettix nigropictus
• D. Nilaparvata lugens

Hint:

Green Leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens) is the primary vector for both:
1. Rice Tungro Virus (RTV)
2. Rice Yellow Dwarf (RYD) phytoplasma

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rice yellow dwarf is a major phytoplasmal disease that causes stunting, excessive tillering, and yellowing of rice leaves.
Like many phytoplasmal plant pathogens, it requires leafhopper vectors for transmission.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The primary vector of Rice Yellow Dwarf Disease is the Green Leafhopper (GLH), specifically {Nephotettix virescens (and to a lesser extent, Nephotettix nigropictus).
The leafhopper acquires the phytoplasma while feeding on infected plant sap and transmits it persistently to healthy plants during subsequent feedings.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The disease is transmitted by Nephotettix virescens, which corresponds to option (B).