Rice stripe virus (RSV) is a viral pathogen that infects rice plants, causing a devastating disease known as rice stripe disease. RSV belongs to the genus Tenuivirus and is transmitted by insect vectors, primarily small brown planthoppers (Laodelphax striatellus).
RSV has a segmented, single-stranded RNA genome and is composed of four distinct genome segments, each encoding different viral proteins. The virus replicates within the cells of the rice plant, leading to various symptoms such as the characteristic yellow-white streaks or stripes on the leaves, hence the name "rice stripe virus."
The transmission of RSV occurs when planthopper vectors feed on infected plants, acquiring the virus in the process. These infected insects then transmit the virus to healthy rice plants while feeding. The virus can also be vertically transmitted from infected parent plants to their progeny through seed transmission.
The impact of RSV on rice production can be significant, as it leads to reduced plant growth, lower grain quality, and ultimately decreased yield. Rice stripe disease is considered one of the major viral diseases affecting rice crops in East Asia, including countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.
Efforts to control RSV primarily involve employing integrated pest management practices, including the use of resistant rice varieties, cultural practices to minimize insect vector populations, and judicious insecticide application when necessary. Additionally, ongoing research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of the virus and developing sustainable and effective strategies to mitigate the impact of rice stripe disease on rice production.
