Green Rice Leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens) - Distant

A Silent Threat Behind Orange Leaf Disease in Rice Fields

The Green Rice Leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens, Distant) is a small insect pest commonly found in rice-growing regions of Southeast Asia. Though tiny in size, this pest causes significant damage by feeding on rice plants and, more importantly, by serving as a vector of viral diseases—most notably, orange leaf disease, which can severely stunt plant growth and reduce yields.

Basic Information

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

Morphology & Biology

Key Characteristics:

• Long wings covering the entire body in adults
• Agile movement and capable of long-distance flight
• Strongly attracted to artificial light at night
• Resembles Nephotettix nigropictus, but lacks the black band across the forehead between the eyes

Wings:

• Forewings: Hemelytra (hardened at the base, thin at the tip)
• Hindwings: Membranous and translucent

Life Cycle (Incomplete Metamorphosis)

The Green Rice Leafhopper develops through three stages:

Egg Stage

• Female lays 5–60 eggs
• Incubation period: ~7 days

Nymph Stage

• Undergoes 4 molts
• Development time: ~14 days

Adult Stage

• Average lifespan: ~10 days
• Capable of flying long distances and spreading quickly

Host Plants & Feeding Damage

Host Plants:

• Primarily rice (Family Poaceae)

Symptoms of Damage:

• Both nymphs and adults feed on sap from leaves and stems
• Causes yellow or brown spots on rice leaves
• Vector of orange leaf disease, which leads to stunted growth, poor tillering, and significant yield reduction

Geographic Distribution

Commonly found in:

• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Japan
• Taiwan

Integrated Management Strategies

✅ Plant Resistant Rice Varieties

Example: RD9 (Khao Dawk Mali 105), known for its resistance to the Green Rice Leafhopper.

✅ Use Light Traps

Install insect light traps in the evening to attract and eliminate adult leafhoppers during outbreak periods.

✅ Regular Field Monitoring

Use sweep nets to monitor population levels:

• ≤ 60-day-old rice: Spray insecticide if 2 insects are found per 10 sweeps
• > 60-day-old rice: Spray if 20 insects are found per 10 sweeps

✅ Chemical Control (Apply When Necessary)

Granular Systemic Insecticide

• Carbofuran (Furadan or Curaterr)
• Application rate: 5 kg/rai
• Broadcast after seedling emergence; repeat after 25 days if infestation persists

Foliar Spray Insecticides

• Isoprocarb (Mipcin 50% WP)
• MTMC (Sumicidin 50% WP)
• BPMC (Basar or Hopsin 50% EC)
• Use at 40 g or 40 mL per 20 liters of water

Important: Rotate chemical groups and avoid repeated applications to minimize resistance.

Conclusion

Despite its short life cycle and small size, the Green Rice Leafhopper poses a serious threat to rice cultivation, especially during early growth stages. Without timely monitoring and integrated control, this pest can spread orange leaf disease and devastate entire fields. By combining resistant varieties, routine field scouting, targeted chemical use, and physical trapping, farmers can protect their crops sustainably and maintain stable yields.