Molecular Approaches for Controlling of False Smut Disease of Rice: An Overview

Abstract

Rice false smut (FS) caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is now one of the most devastating rice diseases worldwide. In present time, FS spreads in the several rice-growing regions like American, Italian, and Southern Asian rice-growing regions. The disease incidence rate was estimated up to more than the 16% in across northern India. There is heavy infestation of FS pathogen and the smut balls formed up to 100 grains per panicle in some rice fields with high disease severity. FS should be controlled in an integrated manner, keeping in mind epidemiological factors, sources and survival of inoculum in soil or on collateral hosts, the role of nutrients, and the stage of crop development. Control methods include the use of tolerant or resistant varieties, moderate application of nitrogenous fertilizers, and the use of effective fungicides at the appropriate time (before heading). Breeding and deployment of resistant varieties is considered as the most effective strategy to control this disease. However, little is known about the resistance gene(s) and quantitative trait loci for this important disease as well as molecular mechanisms for resistance against U. virens.