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Research Paper | Pathology | Volume 4 Issue 10, October 2015 | Pages: 2211 - 2218 | Tanzania
Assessment of Grain Yield Losses Caused by Rice Blast Disease in Major Rice Growing Areas in Tanzania
Abstract: Pyricularia oryzae Cavara, [ (synonym P. grisea Sacc (teleomorph Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr)] causal agent of rice blast disease, is a major problem facing rice growers worldwide. In Tanzania, rice blast is considered as the most serious disease, resulting in severe yield losses especially, when susceptible rice varieties are grown. In order to assess yield losses caused by P. oryzae, studies were conducted in the screen-house using ten rice varieties viz, Jaribu 220, Supa, Kalamata, Shingo ya Mwali, Mwarabu, Mbawambili, Kihogo, IR 64, TXD 306 and TXD 85. Results showed that rice blast disease affected rice plants at all stages of growth and resulted in reduction in number of tillers per plant, grain weight, number of seeds per panicle and grain yield. Most of the rice varieties were susceptible to P. oryzae at seedling, early tillering and heading stages (reproductive stages). During the early growth stages symptoms were mainly found on leaves. Leaf blast disease severity reached maximum at tillering stage, then the disease symptoms disappeared gradually. Leaf blast development progressed significantly differently (P
Keywords: AUDPC, Pyricularia oryzae, rice blast disease, yield losses
How to Cite?: Charles Joseph Chuwa, Robert B. Mabagala, Mnyuku S.O.W. Reuben, "Assessment of Grain Yield Losses Caused by Rice Blast Disease in Major Rice Growing Areas in Tanzania", Volume 4 Issue 10, October 2015, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2211-2218, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SUB159295, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SUB159295