Rice Blast: Identification, Epidemiology and Control
FAQ
Q: What does rice blast look like?
Diamond-shaped lesions with a darker border and grey centre on leaves; similar spots on nodes and panicles can cause 'neck blast' and direct yield loss.
Q: Why does it break out?
High humidity, dense canopy, excessive nitrogen and susceptible varieties combine to trigger epidemics. Management blends resistant varieties, balanced N, and timely fungicides.
Key Points
Lesions: diamond, grey centre, dark border
Neck blast causes direct loss
Triggers: humidity, N excess, susceptible variety
Control: resistant variety + balanced N + fungicide
Quick Reference
| Sign | Diamond leaf lesion |
| Key loss | Neck blast |
| Driver | Humidity + N |
| Tool | Variety + N + fungicide |
Product note: Healthy, silicon-supported rice tolerates blast better; pair with label-directed fungicides.