A Viral Battle in the Rice Field

by Gertrud U. Rey Across Asia and beyond, rice crops are frequently attacked by planthoppers and leafhoppers – insects that damage plants during feeding and transmit viruses that can wipe out entire harvests. The chemical insecticides typically used by rice farmers can pose environmental and health risks, and they often also become less effective over time. New strategies for controlling virus-carrying insects are urgently needed. Plants have developed sophisticated defenses against both insect.