Biological Management of Rice Sheath Blight

Sheath blight of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is one of the major production constrains of rice in most of rice growing countries of Asia. The management of sheath blight is a serious problem, since varieties resistant to disease are not available and use of chemical is limited due to pollution problem and high cost. Bioagents have been found effective in inhibiting growth of R. solani under in-vitro conditions. However, such organism fails to control the disease in the field due to various reasons. This book provides good information to identify various factors such as, effective isolates, time of application, mode, form and rate of bioagents, appropriate delivery system, right plant growth stage for application of bioagents, role of organic matter, soil pH, soil nutrition in effective biological management of rice sheath blight. References to the literature cited have been indicated throughout the text to obtain additional information. Bioagents are an important component of IPM as well as organic farming in modern agriculture. Therefore this book will be valuable and serve as source book to students, teachers, researchers and extension workers.