Comprehensive Phenotypic Assessment of Rice Diseases in Cultivated Farms within Okpuitumo Community, Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State: Implications for Sustainable Rice Crop Management

Abstract

Rice stands as a pivotal economic crop in Ebonyi State, particularly flourishing in Ikwo Local Government Area. However, the productivity of this vital crop faces significant challenges owing to pestilence and diseases. This study sought to employ advanced PLANTIX image analysis software to systematically screen rice farms suspected of disease infestations within Okpuitumo Community. The aim was to precisely identify prevalent diseases impacting the region's rice cultivation. Leveraging the iterative capabilities of the PLANTIX smartphone application, images of afflicted rice leaves were meticulously examined to identify specific disease types and quantify their severity. The study meticulously selected four villages—Anumocha, Odeligbo, Ettam, and Ogidiga—with three farms per village and five sampling points per farm, employing rigorous randomization protocols. The findings showcased a hierarchy of prevalent rice diseases within the community, highlighting the severity in the following descending order: Potassium deficiency (40%), Brown spot disease (38.33%), Magnesium deficiency (31.67%), Nitrogen deficiency (26.67%), Rice blast (6.67%), Zinc deficiency (5%), Bacterial blight (3.33%), Green horned caterpillar (1.67%), and Leaf scald (1.67%). Notably, the study underscored soil nutrient depletion and the prevalence of brown spot disease as primary impediments to rice cultivation in the area. Consequently, the study advocates for the implementation of robust soil nutrient restoration strategies alongside the development of brown spot disease-resistant or tolerant rice varieties that harmoniously align with the local agro-ecology. These interventions are imperative to safeguard the burgeoning population and the farming community against exacerbating food security crises and persistent poverty challenges