Rice diseases

Numerous diseases of rice caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes have been recorded in literature. Some diseases reach to epidemic status and cause serious crop losses where the impact of some are negligible.

Breeding for new rice varieties, always pay attention on the disease resistance. In addition to development of variety resistant for a particular disease, varieties developed aiming other qualities are screened for tolerance/ resistance for most common and devastative prevailing diseases.

In order to manage rice diseases in the farmer fields, integrated disease management program has to be adopted. This program should emphasize, use of quality seed paddy, proper control of weeds and balanced application of major plant nutrients.