Abstract
Production and productivity of rice is reduced due to the emerging disease grain discoloration. The disease is a complex symptom due to the association of a number of pathogenic and saprophytic fungi that infect the rice grains both in field and storage conditions. These pathogens not only reduce yield and quality, but also produce harmful mycotoxins which are detrimental to human and animal life. Looking into the severity of the disease, present investigation was undertaken to assess the disease loss among the popular rice varieties growing in eastern India, associated mycoflora and their effect on growth and quality parameters and disease management using selected biocontrol agents. The results indicated that, a significant loss in yield and quality of rice is observed in popular rice varieties (P < 0.0001). Maximum per cent disease incidence (PDI) was recorded in Swarna Sub-1 in two consecutive seasons (average PDI: 39.42%). Different types of discoloration were also noticed and significant reduction were observed in terms of test weight, germination percent, seedling vigor and activities of seed quality enzymes (P < 0.0001). Seed biopriming was opted for management of the disease in variety Nua Sughand Dhan-3, (P < 0.0001) and results indicated that, significant increase in germination (90.67%), seedling length (30.68 cm), seedling vigor (2781.96) and final crop establishment (74.09%) was recorded in treatment-4 (Bacillus subtilis-MH257586) that enhanced plant growth promotional activities. The same treatment also recorded increased defense enzyme activities such as catalase (7.42 Unit activity/Min/g of FW), peroxidase (3.12 δ absorbance/min/mg protein), super oxide dismutase (9.23 AU g FM min−1) and α amylase (8.34 units g-1 FW) when compared to untreated control. Our results clearly indicated that, grain discoloration can be efficiently managed using native bio-control agents which are well known for plant growth promotion and induced systemic resistance (ISR) activities.
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