Foot rot disease

Foot rot disease
Posted on 05-06-2023

Foot rot disease

Farmers have raised concerns over the occurrence of foot rot disease, also known as Bakanae Disease, in the saplings of the Basmati variety of paddy in nurseries. Foot rot disease is a soil and seed-borne fungus that specifically affects the Basmati variety of rice. It is caused by the Fusarium verticillioides fungi. Infected saplings exhibit symptoms such as pale yellow color, elongation, drying, and eventual death. In some cases, symptoms may appear after transplantation, with infected plants growing taller than normal before wilting and dying.

Basmati rice is a renowned variety of rice in India, and its production is primarily concentrated in seven states: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Basmati rice is known for its unique characteristics such as mouthfeel, aroma, and long grain length when cooked. It holds significant market value abroad and contributes around ₹30,000 crores in foreign exchange annually.

In conclusion, the occurrence of foot rot disease in Basmati rice saplings has raised concerns among farmers. This disease, caused by the Fusarium verticillioides fungus, poses a threat to the cultivation of Basmati rice, which holds great economic value for India. Efforts to manage and prevent foot rot disease are crucial to protect the quality and production of Basmati rice and ensure its continued success in domestic and international markets.

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