Field Evaluation of Rice Germplasm for Resistance against Pyricularia Oryzae, the Cause of Rice Blast

Abstract

Rice blast disease (RBD) is a potential threat in rice-belt of Punjab, Pakistan. The current research was planned to identify resistant genotypes of rice by screening them against RBD under field conditions. To evaluate the resistance or susceptibility of rice germplasm against P. oryzae in rice fields, seventy-two (72) genotypes of rice were sown with drill machine in augmented design, at RRI, KSK. Artificial inoculation was performed to screening the rice germplasm against RBD. Different genotypes of rice exhibited different responses against RBD in the field during 2017 and 2018. Rice genotypes exhibited similar responses against RBD during both years 2017 and 2018. None of the genotypes were resistant against RBD. Eleven out of 72 genotypes were highly susceptible with the range of AUDPC from 1800 to 2550. Similarly, eight genotypes were moderately susceptible with AUDPC of 115-250. Nine genotypes exhibited moderately resistant response with the AUDPC of 55-115. Whereas, 44 genotypes showed susceptible response against RBD with the AUDPC of 450-1390. The resistant cultivars found during current study could be utilized in future rice breeding programs to create resistance against RBD.