(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) False Smut Disease

(OCTOBER-2025)

According to reports, the paddy crop, which is at the maturing and harvest stage, has been infested with false smut disease, causing widespread damage across Punjab.

False smut (haldi rog) is an important fungal disease of rice (paddy).
It is caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea virens.
It is also known as Lakshmi disease or Oothupathi disease of rice.
It doesn't directly impact other plant parts.
It causes chalkiness of grains, which leads to reduction in grain weight. It also reduces seed germination.
The percentage of infected panicles and the extent of infection within each panicle significantly impact yield loss.
Favorable Factors for False Smut in Paddy Crops?
Warm and humid weather: Temperatures between 25-30°C and high humidity (>80%) promote fungal growth.
Presence of infected plant debris: Spores can survive on leftover stubble and straw from previous harvests.
High nitrogen content in soil: Excessive nitrogen application can increase susceptibility.
Control of false smut of rice through fungicide application is feasible; however, high usage of fungicides has led to the resistance development in causal agents besides environmental pollution.