Doncaster clocked up their seventh successive victory but made hard work of what should have been a more comfortable win.
Rovers had virtually all the first-half play, pinning Torquay back into their own half but failed to make the most of their attacking efforts.
Torquay looked out of touch at the start and adopted safety first tactics in a display that lacked flair and sparkle.
Rovers made their intentions plain from the start with Michael McIndoe hitting a flashing shot just wide from John McGrath's right-wing cross in the second minute.
McIndoe was out of luck again when he volleyed just over the top following a clever free-kick routine five minutes later.
Little had seen off the Torquay attack but they gave the home side a scare in the 11th minute when they broke quickly out of defence with Alex Russell producing a defence splitting pass to David Graham who fired inches wide.
Doncaster snatched the lead in the 21st minute following a splendid move with Chris Brown involved before impressive midfield general John Doolan set up Paul Green to fire home from 15 yards.
Gregg Blundell twice went close to adding to the score but although Torquay were clearly second best they missed a couple of chances themselves to turn the tables before the interval.
Matt Hockley squandered a great opening when he fired straight at Andy Warrington in the 42nd minute and then Jo Kuffour missed the ball completely in front of goal on the stroke of half time.
Brown just failed to connect with a cross from Blundell with the goal at his mercy early in the second half before Doncaster went off the boil.
It allowed Torquay to push forward more and Hockley headed wide in the 70th minute before Russell sent another effort just off target.
Despite the visitors efforts it was Doncaster who went closest to scoring again with Blundell twice missing by the width of the post following break away attacks late in the game.