Evaluation of Rice Genotypes for Their Agronomic Performance and Resistance against Magnaporthe oryzae

Abstract

Rice, Oryzae sativa (L.) is an important staple food crop that is widely consumed in Nigeria, however, it is affected by diseases which thus affect the yield. This study was carried out to evaluate rice genotypes for resistance to natural popula tion of blast pathogen and there agronomic performance. Seventeen (17) rice ge notypes screened for blast disease resistance caused by Magnaporthe oryzae at the blast hot spot and water stress environment and there agronomic performance at National Cereal Research Institute, Badeggi showed different reactions. Geno type BR3 is highly resistant and has the list incidence of 28% may be utilized by incorporating it into the breeding programme. BR2 is moderately resistant and also gave the highest grain yield. The blast incidence and severity does not affect the agronomic performance of the rice genotypes as most of the genotypes yield above the average grain yield of 3 tons/hecter. Development of resistant varieties has been the most effective and economical strategy to control blast disease of Magnaporthe oryzae.