Rice Research Institute issues advisory on Bacterial Leaf Streak
A Phil Rice Research Institute study show that non-stop rains nowadays has contributed to the occurrence of bacterial diseases invading rice farms.
One of these diseases is bacterial leaf streak (BLS). Considered less invasive and less popular as compared to bacterial leaf blight (BLB) but prevalent during rainy days. BLS damage ranges 10 to 20% of the leaves when infected.
According to Dr. Hoai Xuan Truong, plant pathologist from PhilRice, its symptoms are almost similar to bacterial leaf blight. Farmers should pay close attention to fine yellow lines on the leaf surface. Almost half of the leaf will eventually turn brownish and the tip will be droopy.
Dr. Truong further said, BLS infestation comes in earlier than BLB. If conditions like continuous rains are favorable, BLS signs become visible 40-50 days after seeding.
The first and best preventive option is to maintain good drainage said Dr. Truong. This ensures that water will not stagnate in the paddy.
In addition, water stagnation also prevents good aeration, which eventually causes poor root development and lesser number of tillers.
Planting of resistant varieties is another effective strategy. Dr. Truong cautions on planting hybrid rice varieties during wet season, as most of these are highly susceptible to BLS and other diseases. Dry season is the best time to grow hybrid rice.
Meanwhile, PhilRice plant breeders are developing varieties resistant to blast, BLB and other rice diseases using both conventional and biotechnology approaches. (PIA)