By R. Cabunagan, ER Tiongco and IR Choi
R. Cabunagan and IR Choi are virologists at IRRI while ER Tiongco is plant pathologist at PhilRice
Tungro in rice field, Photo credit: R. Cabunagan (IRRI)
Farmers in developing countries have difficulties managing plant diseases. Because of their limited understanding on the disease processes, the management measures they adopt are often ineffective. Since disease management has to be viewed in the context of crop production, scientists have to work with farmers to improve rice production through available management options. The measures should be simple, inexpensive and within the limited technical and financial capability of the farmers. Available technologies for rice tungro disease (RTD) are presented for farmers, researchers and extension workers in the tropics where RTD is a substantial threat in rice production.
Component technologies include host plant resistance, leaf hopper vector control (insecticide application and biological control), and cultural management (synchrony of planting and provision of fallow period, time of planting, crop space and density, sanitation, and cultivar diversification).
are there few varities which are resistant or tolerant to tungro virus
What are the distinguishing symptoms and management practices for Tungro disease
Typical symptom of rice infected with tungro are stunting and yellow or orange-yellow discoloration of the leaves. Infected plants also have a reduced number of tillers and may have rust-colored spots on the leaves. The degree of stunting and leaf discoloration is dependent on the variety, strains of the viruses, age of the plant when infected, and the environment. Tungro may produce a mottling, striping or interveinal necrosis of the leaves.
For management practices please read the paper on “component technologies..