Biotech Updates

Valencia's Rice Endangered by Blast Disease

September 9, 2010

High incidence of rice blast disease was detected in Valencia, Spain. Growers were not alarmed of the disease in the past but only recently did they recognize the possible impact of the disease in rice production. The current infestation of Magnaporthe grisea, the fungus causing blast disease, is attributed to warm temperatures, elevated humidity, and inadequate plant treatments. Thus, the most affected areas are those closest to the sea.

According to Enric Bellido, head of the rice sector in La Unió, the current climatic conditions altered the schedule of seasons, moreso the planting of rice.

The original article in Spanish is available at http://www.agrocope.com/noticias.php?id=110439&comu=&ztipo=&ini=0&ini2=30.