Rice Blast
A fungal disease that can produce distinctive lesions on rice leaves and, in some situations, the neck and panicle.
Symptoms
Leaf lesions may develop as spindle or diamond-shaped spots with lighter centres and darker margins. Neck infection can be particularly damaging.
Diagnosis
Compare symptoms with crop stage, variety and field conditions. Similar-looking lesions can have different causes, so field history matters.
Management principles
Use resistant or suitable varieties, balanced nutrition, good field monitoring and locally recommended fungicide programs where appropriate. Follow the registered product label.
Confirmation
Microscopic or laboratory examination can strengthen diagnosis when symptoms are unclear.