A
PhilRice crop protection expert reminds
farmers that early detection is the best way to prevent spread of diseases in
rice.
Rice diseases are more
prevalent during the rainy season as weather conditions are more conducive to
disease development and severity.
Dr. Jennifer T. Niones from
the Crop Protection Division (CPD) of PhilRice mentioned bacterial leaf blight
(BLB), fungal diseases like rice blast, sheath blight, and
rice tungro are among the major rice diseases farmers should watch
out for.
“Choosing the right variety
to plant that is high-yielding and adaptable to the local environment is
crucial. Farmers must select varieties resistant to the diseases that
previously attacked their farm,” Niones explained.
Presently, there are many
modern varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases such as PSB Rc10 (for
rice blast), Rc242 (for BLB), and Rc 216 (for green leafhopper).
Cultural management
strategies must also be carefully observed. Ms. Niones
said farmers should ensure that lands are well-prepared before they plant on it
as pathogens and other bacterial cells can thrive on undecomposed rice stubbles
and straw.
The modified dapog method is also recommended to
fast-track seeding preparation and minimize transplanting shock. Farmers should
also keep nursery beds and main fields from flooding and reduce plant injury
during transplanting. Plant sanitation and regular weeding should also be
practiced.
Ms. Niones also reminds
farmers to avoid excessive use of nitrogen and synthetic chemicals in case of
pest and disease infestation.
“It is a waste of resources.
Farmers should focus on preventing the onset of the disease, not by spraying
but by applying aforementioned cultural management practices. The use of
chemicals to control bacterial leaf blight is not economical and effective,”
Ms. Niones explained.
In the pipeline, researchers
of PhilRice’s CPD are screening breeding lines that are resistant to rice
diseases. They are currently looking at traditional varieties as there are reports
that they have high resistance against rice blast. They are also
exploring the use of beneficial microorganisms as potential bio-control agents
against BLB and blast.
“We hope to find novel genes
(against rice blast) among those traditional varieties, so we can incorporate
them in our modern varieties. The beauty of this is that we are working on our
own materials,” Ms. Niones concluded.
To know more about pest and disease-resistant rice
varieties, call or text the PhilRice Text Center at 0920 911 1398. (PhilRice news)
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