Status of rice diseases in Haryana

Roving surveys conducted in paddy growing areas of haryana during Kharif 1997 to 2012 revealed that the incidence and severity of rice diseases varied considerably over the years depending upon the varietal spectrum and prevalent environmental conditions. Of 15 diseases and two disorders recorded to occur in haryana, blast (Pyricularia grisea) and foot rot & bakanae (Fusarium moniliforme) were the major diseases of scented varieties while bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) and false smut (Ustilaginoidea virens) of non-scented high yielding varieties and hybrids. sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), considered to be a minor disease upto 2005, had attained the status of a major disease and appeared in severe form during 2010 to 2012 both in scented and non-scented varieties and hybrids. sheath rot (Sarocladium oryzae, Fusarium moniliforme), brown spot (Drechslera oryzae), grain discolouration (Drechslera oryzae, Pyricularia grisea, Curvularia lunata, Trichoconiella padwickii), khaira (zinc deficiency) and chlorosis (iron deficiency) are gaining importance in the state. Narrow brown leaf spot (Cercospora oryzae), leaf smut (Entyloma oryzae) and kernel smut/bunt (Neovossia horrida) have been observed as minor diseases while sheath blotch (Pyrenochaeta oryzae), bacterial leaf streak (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola) and bacterial foot rot (Erwinia chrysanthemi) have not been recorded at surveyed locations.