Green Rice Leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens)  - Stal

A Virus Vector That Threatens Rice Yields Across Asia

The Green Rice Leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens, Distant) may appear harmless due to its small size, but it plays a destructive role in rice cultivation across Asia. This pest not only feeds on rice sap but also acts as a primary vector for the Yellow Dwarf Virus (commonly referred to as “orange leaf disease”), which severely stunts rice growth and reduces yields if left uncontrolled.

Basic Information

• Common Name: Green Rice Leafhopper
• Scientific Name: Nephotettix virescens (Distant)
• Family: Cicadellidae
• Order: Hemiptera

Morphology & Biology

Key Features:

• Adults have long wings covering the entire body
• Fast-moving and capable of flying several kilometers
• Strongly attracted to light, especially at night
• Differentiated from Nephotettix nigropictus by the absence of a black band between the eyes

Wings:

• Forewings: Hemelytra with hardened base and transparent tips
• Hindwings: Thin and membranous

Life Cycle (Incomplete Metamorphosis)

Egg Stage

• Females lay 5–60 eggs
• Incubation period: ~7 days

Nymph Stage

• Undergoes 4 molts
• Duration: ~14 days

Adult Stage

• Lifespan: ~10 days

Total life cycle: Approximately 30–35 days

Host Plant and Crop Damage

Feeding Damage:

• Both nymphs and adults suck sap from rice leaves and stems
• Causes yellowing, orange or brown spotting
• Can lead to reduced tillering, stunted growth, and significant yield loss
• Major vector of Yellow Dwarf Virus (orange leaf disease)

Distribution

Widely found throughout:

• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Japan
• Taiwan

Control & Management Strategies

✅ Grow Resistant Varieties

Varieties like RD9 (Khao Dawk Mali 105) have shown good resistance to green leafhopper infestations.

✅ Use Light Traps

Install light traps during the peak infestation period, especially at night, to attract and reduce the population.

✅ Regular Field Monitoring

Use sweep nets to monitor pest density:

• >2 insects per 10 sweeps (in rice < 60 days old)
• >20 insects per 10 sweeps (in rice > 60 days old) → Apply insecticides immediately if thresholds are exceeded

✅ Chemical Control (When Necessary)

Granular Form – Systemic via Roots

• Carbofuran (Furadan or Curaterr)
• Rate: 5 kg per rai (~0.4 acre)
• Apply after rice seedlings emerge
• Repeat after 25 days if reinfestation occurs

Foliar Spray Insecticides

• Isoprocarb (Mipcin 50% WP)
• MTMC (Sumicidin 50% WP)
• BPMC (Basar / Hopsin 50% EC)
• Application rate: 40 g or 40 mL per 20 L of water

Note: Use appropriate protective equipment and avoid consecutive use of the same chemical group to prevent resistance.

Conclusion

Although small, the Green Rice Leafhopper is a highly destructive pest that can severely damage rice fields if left unchecked. Its ability to transmit viral diseases makes early detection and integrated pest management (IPM) crucial. Regular field inspection, planting resistant varieties, and combining biological, physical, and chemical control methods form the foundation for sustainable and effective protection against this silent rice field invader.