PhilRice Gives Farmers Some Tips to Prevent Rice Diseases During Rainy Season

Science City Of Munoz, Nueva Ecija — With the onset of rainy season, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has given farmers some tips to prevent spread of diseases in rice.

Dr. Jennifer T. Niones from the Crop Protection Division (CPD) of PhilRice, said that rice diseases are more prevalent during the rainy season as weather conditions are more conducive to disease development and severity.

Niones said that bacterial leaf blight (BLB), fungal diseases like rice blast, sheath blight, and rice tungro are among the major rice diseases farmers should watch out for.

“Choosing the right variety to plant that is high-yielding and adaptable to the local environment is crucial. Farmers must select varieties resistant to the diseases that previously attacked their farm,” she said.

Presently, there are many modern varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases such as PSB Rc10 (for rice blast), Rc242 (for BLB), and Rc 216 (for green leafhopper).

Cultural management strategies must also be carefully observed.

Niones said farmers should ensure that lands are well-prepared before they plant on it as pathogens and other bacterial cells can thrive on undecomposed rice stubbles and straw.

The modified “dapog” method is also recommended to fast-track seeding preparation and minimize transplanting shock.

Farmers should also keep nursery beds and main fields from flooding and reduce plant injury during transplanting. Plant sanitation and regular weeding should also be practiced.

She also reminded farmers to avoid excessive use of nitrogen and synthetic chemicals in case of pest and disease infestation.

“It is a waste of resources. Farmers should focus on preventing the onset of the disease, not by spraying but by applying aforementioned cultural management practices. The use of chemicals to control bacterial leaf blight is not economical and effective,” Niones said.

In the pipeline, researchers of PhilRice’s CPD are screening breeding lines that are resistant to rice diseases. (PNA) LAP/ZST/MEG/PS