Rice Blast Disease (Magnaporthe oryzae): A Menace to Rice Production and Humanity
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Date
2020-06-22
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Pathogen Research
Abstract
Rice blast disease is one of the major constraints to rice production, threatening food security
globally. Rice grain production losses due to the disease leads economic losses to the farmers,
and to an increase in global rice price as a result of the supply that is far below the consumer
demand. The losses from the disease annually was estimated to feed over 60 million individual.
The disease has been studied comprehensively by researchers due to the importance attached to
rice and its vast spread and destructiveness across the globe. A good understanding of the
pathogen causing the disease, its life cycle and development, epidemiology, symptoms,
management strategy will offer a good insight into the disease incidence and give an appropriate
and effective decision-making in its management. Different control measures have been adopted
managing the disease, including the use of resistant varieties. Integrated disease management
strategies coupled with good agronomy practices are required for successful control of rice blast
for food security. This review, therefore, examined the fundamentals of rice blast disease
(Magnaporthe oryzae) and offered strategies to minimize the disease activities to ensure proper
production and increase the supply of rice grains.
Description
Staff Publication
Keywords
Agronomy practices;, food security;, integrated disease management;, pathogen;, rice grain.