Villosiclava virens
Fungus
Symptoms are visible during the formation of the panicle, particularly when the spikelet nearly reaches maturity. Orange, velvety egg-shaped mass of about 1 cm in diameter are visible on individual grains of the panicle. Later on the grains turn yellowish-green or greenish-black. Only a few grains form spore balls in a panicle. Other parts of the plant are not affected. Grain weight and seed germination are reduced.
The treatment of seeds at 52° C for 10 min is an effective way to reduce the incidence of the disease. A preventive spray with copper-based fungicides during panicle emergence (2.5 g per liter of water) also. Once detected, spray the crop with copper-based fungicides to control the disease and increase yields slightly.
Always consider an integrated approach with preventive measures together with biological treatment if available. Seed treatment with fungicides usually do not hold the disease in check. As a preventive measure spraying during panicle emergence (50 to 100%) with the following products can be effective: azoxystrobin, propiconazole, chlorothalonil, azoxystrobin + propiconazole, trifloxystrobin + propiconazole, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole. Other products may help to effectively inhibit the progression of the disease once detected: aureofungin, captan or mancozeb.
The symptoms are caused by the fungus Villosiclava virens, a pathogen that can infect plants at all stages, but symptoms are only visible shortly after flowering or during the grain-filling stage. Weather conditions determine the outcome of the infection, as high relative humidity (>90%), frequent rain and temperatures ranging from 25−35°C are favorable for the fungus. Soils with high nitrogen content also favor the disease. Early-planted rice plants usually have less problems with false smut. In worst case scenarios, the disease can be severe and losses can reach 25% of the crop. In India, a yield loss of up to 75% was observed.