Foot rot disease in rice is caused by a bacterial pathogen called Burkholderia glumae. This bacteria lives in the soil and can infect rice plants through the roots and the base of the stem.
The disease is characterized by the rotting of the basal portion of the stem, which is why it is called “foot rot”. Symptoms include yellowing of the leaves, wilting of the plant, and eventually death of the plant. If the disease is not controlled, it can cause significant yield loss.
This disease is favored by warm and wet conditions, making it more common in the lowland rice growing areas, where irrigation is used. The pathogen can survive in the soil for long periods of time, which can make the management of the disease difficult.
It can be spread to healthy plants by contaminated water or equipment. It’s important for farmers to practice good hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, using resistant varieties, crop rotation, and using disease-free seed can help prevent infection.
Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and field should be drained and allowed to dry out to slow the spread of the bacteria. Foliar fungicides can also be used to control the disease, but they are not always effective.
It’s important to consult with local agricultural extension service and refer to the most updated information available to develop a management plan that would work best for the specific location and growing conditions.