Pyricularia grisea

Pyricularia grisea is a species of fungus that belongs to the Magnaporthaceae family. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects rice crops, causing a disease known as rice blast, which is one of the most destructive diseases of cultivated rice worldwide.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described in 1892 by Cesare Saccardo, an Italian mycologist. The species name grisea refers to the grey color of the fungus. It is also known by its synonym, Magnaporthe grisea.

Description

Pyricularia grisea is a filamentous, asexually reproducing fungus. It produces conidia, or asexual spores, which are spread by wind and rain splash. The conidia germinate on the leaf surface of the rice plant and penetrate the plant tissue, causing infection.

Disease Cycle

The disease cycle of Pyricularia grisea begins when the conidia land on the leaf surface of the rice plant. The conidia germinate and penetrate the plant tissue, causing infection. The fungus then grows inside the plant, causing lesions to form on the leaves. The fungus produces new conidia inside these lesions, which are then released and spread to other plants.

Management

Management of Pyricularia grisea involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and the use of resistant rice varieties. Cultural practices include proper field sanitation and crop rotation. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides. Resistant rice varieties have been developed through plant breeding.

Impact

Pyricularia grisea causes significant yield losses in rice crops worldwide. In severe cases, the disease can cause up to 100% yield loss. The fungus is particularly problematic in Asia, where rice is a staple food crop.

See Also

• Rice blast
• Plant pathology
• Fungicide

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