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Abstract
The profitability of rice production in Guyana has been adversely affected by two major diseases viz. blast (Pyricularia oryzae) and sheath blight (SB) (Rhizoctonia solani). To overcome these threats, it is necessary to develop and adopt an IDM approach. A study was carried out: to identify blast and SB resistant genotypes; to study the efficacy of plant extracts, bioagents and new generation fungicides against these disease. Of 103 rice lines, 11 showed highly resistant to resistant reactions to blast. Genotype FL-127 consistently expressed high blast resistance. Likewise, FG12-56 and GR1631-35-16-1-2-1-1 recorded immune to resistant reactions and 12 other exhibited very resistant to resistant reactions to SB. Plant extracts of Black sage 10%, Bael 15% and Madar plant 5% reduced blast infection in field experiments; likewise extracts of Lemon grass and Thick leaf thyme 15% reduced SB under field conditions. The bioagent, Bacillus cereus OG2L and B. subtilis OG2A significantly reduced blast; while B. cereus OG2L effectively reduced SB. The fungicides, Antracol 70WP and Nativo 75 WG showed superior control against blast; while the same 2 fungicides along with Serenade 1.34 SC showed high control of SB disease. These treatments also showed positive influence in growth and increase in yield of rice.