• Plants become unhealthy stunted and yellow
• The leaves wither from top downwards
• Honeydew secreted by the bug causes growth of sooty mould on leaves
• Panicle formation is inhibited and the plants die if attack is severe
• The midribs of the leaves turn red due to egg-laying and may dry up subsequently

Identification of the pest:

• Egg: Laid inside the leaf tissue and covered with a white waxy substance
• Adult: Yellowish brown to dark brown with translucent wings

Management:

• Spray with 0.04% diazine (or) dimethoate 0.02% or phosphomidon @250 ml in 500 litres water/ha