Directive No. 96/2006/CT-BNN on the prevention and control of brown planthopper, rice yellow dwarf disease, and rice orange leaf disease in southern provinces

DIRECTIVE
Regarding the prevention and control of brown planthopper, yellow dwarf disease, and leaf curl disease affecting rice in southern provinces
bệnh lùn xoắn lá hại lúa tại các tỉnh miền Nam

Yellow dwarf disease and leaf curl disease caused by viruses are being transmitted by the brown planthopper and spreading on late autumn, summer, and winter-spring rice crops in the Mekong Delta, Southeastern region, Southern Central Coast, and Central Highlands provinces. According to local reports, as of October 25, 2006, the area affected by the brown planthopper in the Mekong Delta and Southeastern provinces for the late autumn, summer 2006, and winter-spring 2006-2007 rice crops was 33,323 hectares, while the area affected by yellow dwarf and leaf curl diseases was 51,768 hectares, including 26,283 hectares severely infected requiring destruction.

To strictly implement Directive No. 30/2006/CT-TTg dated August 11, 2006, and Urgent Circular No. 1680/CĐ-TTg dated October 19, 2006, of the Prime Minister regarding urgent measures to prevent and control the brown planthopper and yellow dwarf and leaf curl diseases on rice, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development instructs:

1. For the People's Committees of provinces and cities.

1.1. Strengthen and enhance the activities of the Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of Brown Planthopper, Yellow Dwarf, and Leaf Curl Diseases at all levels; coordinate with all relevant forces within their jurisdiction (agriculture, finance, planning, science and technology, mass organizations) to implement resolutely and comprehensively preventive measures against the brown planthopper and effectively prevent the spread of yellow dwarf and leaf curl diseases. The Steering Committee must hold weekly meetings and promptly report to higher authorities on the epidemic situation in their locality.

1.2. Mobilize the forces of Plant Protection, Crop Production, and Agricultural Extension Services, and if necessary, mobilize forces from universities, colleges, and vocational schools in the locality to guide farmers and grassroots localities to implement the following specific technical solutions:

1.2.1. For late autumn, summer 2006, and winter-spring 2006-2007 rice crops that have been sown:

Closely monitor the appearance of the brown planthopper on late autumn, summer 2006, and winter-spring 2006-2007 rice crops that have been sown. When the density of first to third instar nymphs exceeds 3 per hill, organize spraying to control the brown planthopper according to detailed guidance from the Plant Protection Department using insecticides permitted for use. In cases where the brown planthopper appears widely, organize synchronized pest control, and localities must support farmers with insecticides.

1.2.2. For the winter-spring 2006-2007 crop:

a) Each commune should develop specific plans to implement structural adjustments in crop cultivation towards reducing the area planted with rice and replacing it with other crops that provide equivalent or higher income; reduce the area planted with two to three consecutive rice crops, and replace them with one to two cash crop cycles;

b) For the area intended for planting the winter-spring 2006-2007 rice crop:

- Field sanitation: To eliminate sources of disease before sowing the next rice crop, thoroughly implement field sanitation measures such as plowing, harrowing, burying stubble, and cleaning up weeds along the edges.

- Rice variety structure: Encourage the use of certified varieties, control seed quality, and prevent the sale of low-quality seeds. Sow suitable varieties in different ecological zones according to the list recommended by the Crop Production Department, specifically: OM 576, IR 64, VND 95-20, AS 996, OMCS 2000, IR 50404, OM 2517, OM 4495, OM 4498, and OM 2395...; do not use varieties heavily infested with the brown planthopper; pay attention to organizing resistant seed production to meet subsequent needs.

- Timing of sowing: Depending on the local ecological zone, concentrate sowing uniformly without extending the period; the main sowing time for the entire Mekong Delta region is from mid-November to the end of December 2006. Specific sowing times for each locality must be based on monitoring migratory brown planthopper through the light trap network to avoid newly sown rice being attacked by migrating brown planthoppers.

Cultivation practices: Recommend widespread adoption of row sowing methods and only sow approximately 90-120 kg of seed per hectare; do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to enhance resistance to diseases. Continue expanding the application of the "3 Reductions 3 Increases" method but adjust pesticide regulations according to the Plant Protection Department's guidelines to timely control the brown planthopper and yellow dwarf and leaf curl diseases. Where conditions permit, apply chemical seed treatment before sowing according to the Plant Protection Department's guidelines.

- Control of the brown planthopper: In areas where yellow dwarf and leaf curl diseases were present in previous seasons, when rice plants are less than 20 days post-sowing, if first to third instar nymphs appear, control using insecticides containing Buprofezin according to specific guidance from the Plant Protection Department. Absolutely prohibit the use of synthetic pyrethroid and organic phosphorus pesticides during this period. When rice plants are more than 20 days post-sowing, follow the control measures outlined in point 1.2.1.

1.2.3. Destroy infected fields:

- Resolutely destroy fields with yellow dwarf and leaf curl diseases where the infection rate exceeds 10% of tillers during the tillering stage.

1.3. Strengthen inspection and supervision of pesticide business and usage at the grassroots level, strictly prohibiting the sale of fake and substandard pesticides and price hikes during the epidemic period.

1.4. Allocate budget funds to support farmers in preventing and controlling diseases according to current regulations; if there are difficulties, promptly report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for consolidation and reporting to the competent authority for decision-making and resolution.

1.5. Direct mass organizations to actively participate in mobilizing and guiding farmers in implementing disease control measures in their locality.

1.6. Direct media agencies to intensify information dissemination and guidance to farmers on measures to prevent and control the brown planthopper, yellow dwarf, and leaf curl diseases on rice so that farmers understand the dangers and impacts of these diseases and effectively implement preventive measures.

1.7. Promptly reward units and individuals who actively and effectively participate in disease control work; strictly discipline collectives and individuals who fail to seriously comply with superior directives leading to the spread of diseases.

2. Subordinate units under the Ministry:

2.1. Plant Protection Department:

- Directly guide the Provincial/City Plant Protection Branches under the Central Government to continuously monitor the situation of pests and diseases affecting rice crops, implement forecasting and early warning activities regarding brown planthopper and yellow dwarf and orange leaf curl virus diseases to provide timely information to farmers and mass media. Establish light-trap networks to have a basis for accurate forecasting and early warning of pest and disease outbreaks.

- Complete the "Handbook on Brown Planthopper, Yellow Dwarf, and Orange Leaf Curl Virus Disease Prevention" to serve as a basis for guiding farmers in implementing preventive measures; take the lead and coordinate with the Plant Protection Institute and relevant agencies and localities in testing various pesticides to promptly disseminate effective methods for controlling brown planthoppers and yellow dwarf and orange leaf curl virus diseases.

2.2. Crop Production Department closely monitors production situations in localities to coordinate guidance on crop structure; seed variety structure, planting seasons, and appropriate cultivation measures; ensure sufficient resistant seeds for subsequent planting seasons.

2.3. Science and Technology Division leads and coordinates with Institutes and Schools to urgently implement trial programs and select rice varieties resistant to brown planthoppers and yellow dwarf and orange leaf curl virus diseases to be widely planted in the shortest time possible; simultaneously organize research on fundamental issues related to combating these diseases.

2.4. National Agricultural Extension Center collaborates with agricultural extension agencies at all levels to focus on disseminating, training, and guiding farmers directly on preventive measures against brown planthoppers, yellow dwarf, and orange leaf curl virus diseases; coordinate in building effective disease control models; promptly summarize and disseminate good experiences for widespread application.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development requests the People's Committees of Southern provinces/cities under the Central Government and heads of relevant units under the Ministry to promptly implement the above contents and regularly report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the implementation of this Directive./.