FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.orgCreated in Myanmar [Burma], June 2014
Soil Management to Reduce Bacterial Foot Rot on Rice
Recognize the problem
The first symptom of infection is the development of small water-soaked
lesions on the leaf sheath. The bacteria spread into nodes, stems and roots.
Finally, the stems turn black, rot and may collapse. The leaf blade also turns
yellow and produces a rotten smell which is typical for the disease and can help
to distinguish foot rot from other pests such as stem borers and Brown
planthoppers. The yield loss caused by foot rot may reach 30-40%.
Background
Foot rot is more severe at high temperatures, high humidity and high levels of
nitrogen. The disease is also more common in fields with a poor drainage
system and soil oxidation. Hybrid varieties can be more susceptible to foot rot
than local varieties.
Management
• To reduce the spread of disease from field to field, irrigation systems
must be controlled so that water from the infested field does not cross
over to the non-infested field
• To increase soil ventilation, inter-cultivation is needed. This should be
done approximately 25 days after transplanting
• Potash (56lb/acre) and Gypsum (6 viss /acre) are applied to get better
soil conditions
Scientific name(s) > Dickeya chrysanthemi
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to: Myanmar [Burma]
Authors: Daw Maw Maw San, Daw Aye Thandar Cho, Daw Su Myat Thwe
Plant Protection Division Edited by Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
MM010En
Lose Less, Feed More
Bacterial foot rot symptoms. (Photo
by IRRI)
Stem and root rot symptom of
Bacterial foot rot. (Photo by PPD)
