Ufra of rice

Symptoms:

The disease has been reported from Bangladesh, Egypt, India and South Asia. The leaves become yellow and wither, seedlings die. Brown spots appearon leaves and leaf sheaths. Stems may also bear spots. These spots become darker brown along with upper inter-nodes of the stem. Ears may not emerge or may show swellings and become twisted and distorted. Grains are not formed usually.

Perpetuation:

Diseased plant debris carrying disease causing nematodes.

Control:

1) Burn the stubble; 2) Grow early maturing varieties; 3) Use healthy seed and; 4) Plough the field thoroughly after harvest so as to expose the soil to sun-heat.