Symptoms
Yellowish circular patches appear here and there in field. The plants in these areas dry up very soon (hopper burn) and the yellowing and drying extend rapidly. Examine the plants as soon as the yellowing appears. Presence of the hoppers at the base of the plants confirms the infestation. Very close planting leads to enhanced attack.
Management
1. Use resistant varieties such as Jyothi, Bharathi, Aiswarya, Kanakom, Nila etc. for cultivation.
2. Apply one of the following insecticides as soon as the yellowing symptom is observed, covering the infested patches and the areas surrounding the patches: Buprofezin, ethofenprox, quinalphos, thiamethoxam, acephate, phosalone and imidacloprid. While spraying and dusting, care has to be taken to see that the insecticides reach the base of the plants.
3. Drain away water from the field and keep it in that conditions until the pest population dwindle.
4. In Kuttanad tract, early planting of paddy in September-October is advisable, wherever possible.