Biointensive Management of Bacterial Blight of Rice

Microbiomes of different species have been used to control plant diseases. To date controlling pest and diseases has largely depended on the extensive use of pesticides andfarmers are habituated to applying hazardous pesticides in soil and crops. Moreover, most of the pesticides have residual effects and very toxic to non target. Hence, emphasis has been given to bio intensive management of plant diseases. Rice, being a key source of nutrition, offers immediate energy due to its primary carbohydrate content. Throughout its growth stages, rice is highly susceptible to various pathogens, impacting both the quality and quantity of its harvest. Among numerous devastating diseases found in rice, Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is considered as one of the significant and ancient disease worldwide. The destructive BB disease has also been observed in most of the rice growing states of India including Assam, necessitating development of efficient and environmental friendly approach for management of this endemic disease. Bio-control is an alternative eco friendly, sustainable and cost effective management approaches in BB management and can also be integrated with other management practices to sustain rice yields and provide greater levels of protection.