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Friday, March 29, 2024

Rice diseases prevalent in rainy season

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SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija—The Philippine Rice Research Institute has warned local farmers against the presence of pests and other diseases in rice which are more prevalent during the rainy season.

Dr. Jennifer Niones, chief of the PhilRice’s crop protection division, said tungro, bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and fungal diseases such as rice blast and sheath blight are among the major rice diseases that could plague farmlands.

Niones said rice diseases are more prevalent during the rainy season as weather conditions are more conducive to disease development and severity.

She urged farmers to choose pests- and diseases-resistant modern varieties such as PSB Rc10, Rc242 and Rc 216.

“Actually, there are many modern varieties resistant to pests and diseases but these three stand out,” she said, adding early detection is the best way to prevent spread of rice diseases.

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She explained that PSB Rc10 is resistant to rice blast, Rc242 against BLB and Rc 216 against green leafhopper.

“Choosing the right variety to plant that is high-yielding and adaptable to the local environment is crucial. Farmers must select varieties resistant to the diseases that previously attacked their farm,” she said.

Niones added that farmers should ensure that lands are well-prepared before they plant on it as pathogens and other bacterial cells can thrive on undecomposed rice stubbles and straw.

The modified dapog method is also recommended to fast-track seeding preparation and minimize transplanting shock.

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