solani mycelial growth as well as the viability of its sclerotium (the compact mass of hardened fungal mycelium that can remain dormant until favorable growth conditions). Thus, a number of researchers advocate using natural fungicides and biological agents that can effectively control the disease with much lower environmental impacts.Ī biological disease control using TrichodermaĪ recent study, Sheath blight and drought stress management in rice (Oryza sativa) through Trichoderma spp., found Trichoderma strains from Amazon forest soil can effectively reduce R. Additionally, the regular application of fungicides poses a potential risk to the environment and non-target organisms that are natural inhabitants of rice ecosystems. Sheath blight can be controlled by fungicide but this entails additional costs to farmers and could be prohibitively expensive for many smallholders. It only took six days for the disease to sweep across almost 70,000 ha of previously uninfected areas. On 9 October 2019, the Agriculture Commissioner reported 40, 665 ha of rice fields in Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh were affected by sheath blight. Sheath blight has also caused a yield loss of 6% in tropical Asia. In the United States, a yield loss of 50% was reported when susceptible cultivars were planted. A yield loss of 25% was reported if the flag leaves are infected. In Japan, the disease has caused a yield loss of as high as 20% and affected about 120,000−190,000 hectares (ha). In infected plants, the disease significantly reduces the leaf area of the canopy, The reduction, along with the diseased-induced senescence of leaves and young infected tillers are the primary causes of yield reduction that, depending on its severity, can reach up to 60% in losses.
Sheath blight of rice, caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, is a major fungal disease affecting the crop worldwide.
Rice sheath blight is an increasing concern for rice production, especially in intensified production systems. Sheath blight is considered to be an important disease next to rice blast.