Neck blast is a destructive disease in paddy that significantly reduces the yield of this essential crop. This disease mainly affects the neck or collar region of the rice plant. Neck blast is caused by a fungus named Magnaporthe grisea, which attacks the rice plant during the heading and flowering stages. The disease can be controlled by following certain management practices, which are discussed in this article.
1. Use Resistant Varieties
Planting resistant rice varieties is the most effective way to control neck blast. Certain varieties of rice have been developed that have natural resistance to neck blast. Therefore, choosing the right variety is essential in managing this disease.
2. Crop Rotation
Another way to effectively manage neck blast is to practice crop rotation. This strategy involves growing non-host crops such as legumes, vegetables or cereals in the field after harvesting rice. This ensures that the fungus is deprived of its required host, which can reduce the incidence of the disease.
3. Seed Treatment
Use of seed treatment is also an effective way to control neck blast. Appropriate seed treatment with fungicides such as carbendazim, thiram or mancozeb can protect the seedlings from the initial symptoms of the disease. This ensures that healthy plants grow in the field and reduces the incidence of the disease.
4. Cultural Management
Cultural management is another way to control neck blast in paddy. Proper field management practices like ensuring proper drainage, avoiding waterlogging, and maintaining nutrient levels in the soil, can help in enhancing the plant’s immunity and resistance to disease. This can help to reduce the incidence of neck blast in the field.
5. Chemical Control
Chemical control is the last resort if the neck blast disease cannot be managed by other strategies. Fungicides like Tricyclazole, Propiconazole or mancozeb can be used to control neck blast efficiently. The application of fungicides should be done in regular intervals with proper dosage and timing, to manage the disease effectively.
In conclusion, neck blast is a severe disease that can damage rice plants significantly. However, it can be controlled by timely implementation of management strategies, such as planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, seed treatment, cultural management, and chemical control. When managing paddy for neck blast, farmers must ensure that they follow the appropriate management techniques, which are crucial in enhancing the plant’s immunity.