It is caused by the nematode (Aphelenchides besseyi) spp, that infect on the tips of leaves.
Most destructive parasitic disease in rice.
The symptom occurs about 2 months after the rice transplanting.
Symptom
Starts with whitening on leaf tips about 1-2 inches and later the tips become twisted and withered.
Only the leaf tips are white and dry, while the rest of the leaves remain green as normal.
Progressive infestation can cause the flag leaf twisted and the panicle could not be emerged. If the panicle emerges, small in size with unfilled spike-lets.
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White tip symptom at reproductive stage (Source: LSU Agri-center) |
White tips on leaves |
Disease Cycle
Use disease-free seeds after prior inspection.
Soaking the seeds in hot water (52-53 °C) for 15 minutes can kill the seed-borne nematodes.
Chemical Control
Application of Carbofurum 3G 1kg a.i/ha in the nursery, one week before transplanting as preventive measure.