The screening of Rice Blast Fungus, Pyricularia Oryzae on selected rice varieties

Abstract

Rice Blast Disease caused by Pyricularia Oryzae is still threatening to local and worldwide rice industry. This disease spreads rapidly and is highly destructive under favorable conditions. In Malaysia, survey reports showed that Rice Blast is also one of the main problems observed in their survey areas. Most growers in Sarawak are still planting local traditional varieties with unique quality that possesses interesting characteristics and excellent texture and taste, besides inbred and hybrid varieties. However, the screening of blast resistance for these local rice varieties is still under study. In our study, P. Oryzae spores were used for the screening of 3 week-old paddy seedlings. The selected rice varieties demonstrated different degree of resistance against P. Oryzae originated from Alur Dalan, Bario and Stumbin, Sri Amon. Thus, this study would provide useful information on the performance of certain varieties before recommended for planting in certain location.