As one of the most significant diseases affecting rice crop, Sheath blight is known to cause a significant reduction in crop yield if not adequately managed. This particular disease is caused by Rhizoctonia solani, a soil-borne fungus that only affects rice plants.
The disease can quickly spread through the crop if the weather conditions are favorable, usually during the rainy season or in areas with high humidity levels. The disease initially appears on the leaves, but it can spread down the plant’s stem, causing lesions and ultimately, death.
Fortunately, several control measures can help alleviate the menace of Sheath blight on rice crop. Although some of these measures require a considerable investment of time and resources, farmers who follow them often reap significant returns on investment.
Cultural Controls: Cultural practices are fundamental to controlling Sheath blight. Some of the best cultural practices include planting disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, maintaining proper irrigation practices, timely planting, and appropriate density management. Farmers should also practice good drainage, reduce soil compaction, and prevent standing water to lower the chances of soil-borne fungus.
Chemical Controls: Depending on the severity of the disease and the stage at which it occurs, farmers can utilize fungicides to control sheath blight. A good example is Quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), which have a broad spectrum of applications and are effective against Rhizoctonia solani.
Biological Control: Biological control is becoming increasingly popular in managing several crop diseases such as Stem rust and Sheath blight. The application of Bacillus subtilis or Trichoderma spp. can help to effectively counteract the spread of the disease. Additionally, soil amendment with compost, organic manures, and soil fungi can contribute to better soil health and reduce the severity of sheath blight.
Conclusion:
Sheath blight can cause significant losses to rice production, affecting crop yield and reducing the economic viability of rice farming. Utilizing multiple control methods such as cultural practices, chemical controls, and biological solutions can help manage these diseases to increase yields. Farmers should apply these measures in a proactive way, in partnership with experts if necessary, to preserve crop health, increase yields, and drive profitability.