Leaf scald

Causative agent

Fungus, – Monographella albescens (Microdochium oryzae)

Common and sometimes severe in major rice growing districts in Sri Lanka.

Plant parts and life stages affected

Mature leaves, panicles and seedlings

Symptoms

Seed borne and survives between seasons/crops via infected seeds

Lesions start on leaf tips or from the edges of leaf blades. 

The lesions have a chevron pattern of light (tan) and darker reddish-brown areas.

The leading edge of the lesion usually is yellow to gold in color resulting rice fields to appear yellow or gold.

Lesions from the edges of leaf blades have an indistinct, mottled pattern.

Affected leaves get dry and turn to straw-color. 

When panicles get infestations, a uniform light to dark, reddish-brown discoloration of entire florets or hulls of developing grain could be observed.

The disease can cause sterility or abortion of developing kernels.