Context

Recently , The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has developed biocontrol agent “Trichoderma Asperellum”  to combat ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati Varieties of Rice.

Foot Rot Disease

• It is also known as Bakanae disease.
• Causative Agent: ‘Fusarium verticillioides’
  • It is a soil-seed borne pathogen which spreads the infection through the root of the plant, and eventually leads to the colonization of the stem base.
• It affects Basmati rice crops particularly at the seedling stage, though it might also cause infection after transplantation in case infected seedlings are transplanted.
• Symptoms : Infected seedlings first turn pale yellow, then elongate and dry up, and eventually (usually) die.

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Preventive Management Strategies to Control Foot Rot Disease

• To prevent the disease from occurring and spreading, farmers resort to 
  • Early seedling treatment, 
  • Try to use disease-free seeds, and 
  • Destroy infected seedlings. 
• Timely seed nursery management : 
  • Seed sowing in the first fortnight of June, and transplantation in July. 
  • Sowing in May often leads to problems as the month’s high temperatures are favourable to the disease. 
• Well Drained Fields : Fields where the nursery is being set up must also be well-drained, with proper irrigation, to avoid the spread of foot rot.
• Current Practices : 
  • Seedlings are treated with ‘Trichoderma harzianum’ before sowing and transplantation. 
  • Seeds are also treated with fungicides such as Sprint 75 WS (carbendazim + mancozeb) before sowing. 
    • But these are the chemical treatments which are harmful for the soil, and can be toxic for consumers of the rice. 

Importance of New Biocontrol Agent  ‘Trichoderma Asperellum’

• It is an important development in rice farming techniques, bringing in a more sustainable strategy that will offer a non-chemical alternative to traditional pesticides.
• This transition ensures safer rice production, aligning with global standards for food safety.
• It will help in aiding in disease management while minimizing environmental harm.