As one of the most important cereal crops in the world, paddy rice is a staple for millions of people. However, fungal diseases can significantly reduce the yield and quality of paddy, ultimately affecting food security. Therefore, the control of fungal diseases in paddy is essential. In this article, we will explore the best ways to prevent and control fungal diseases in paddy.
1. Crop rotation
Crop rotation refers to the practice of growing different crops in a specific order in the same field. This technique can help to reduce the buildup of soil-borne pathogens, including fungi that cause diseases such as sheath blight and blast. Rice should be rotated with crops such as corn, soybean, cotton, and wheat, which are less susceptible to rice diseases.
2. Fungicide application
Fungicides are chemicals that are used to control fungal diseases. For paddy rice, the most commonly used fungicides include tricyclazole, azoxystrobin, and epoxiconazole. Fungicide application should be carried out at the right time to be effective. A preventative approach rather than a curative one should be adopted. This means that fungicides should be applied at the early stage of diseases before they become severe.
3. Use resistant varieties
Breeding of resistant varietals through plant breeding processes is a more sustainable way of combatting rice fungal disease. Resistant to disease varieties can be developed by selecting the right donor parents and introgressing resistant genes. These varietals will naturally be stronger, with more capable immune systems of fending off diseases leading to a lower risk of major yield losses in the field.
4. Biological control
Biological control involves the use of living organisms to control pests and diseases. Biological control agents and biofertilizers, such as Bacillus subtilis, and Trichoderma spp. have been shown to be effective against fungal diseases. When applied early in the growing season, they help to keep fungal populations low and could be a useful tool for sustainable paddy production.
5. Use Good farming practices
Good agricultural practices (GAPs) are a system of farming techniques that encourages efficient production and environmental protection. They could also be used to control fungal disease in paddy rice. The practices include using clean seeds, maintaining proper irrigation practices, harvesting at the right time, and keeping fields clean and free of weeds.
In conclusion, applying a combination of practices mentioned above will help to protect paddy rice from fungal diseases, leading to a productive yield, for farmers, and ultimately preserve quality paddy yields for consumers. More research and development are needed to create more sustainable and cost-effective solutions to prevent and control the spread of fungal diseases.