Jeongeup Agricultural Technology Center Urges Pest and Disease Control for Rice Blast and Other Diseases

Published 08 Jul.2021 14:16(KST)

[Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Jaegil] The Jeongeup Agricultural Technology Center in Jeonbuk (Director Lee Wan-ok) has urged for preventive measures as the spread of rice diseases and pests is feared due to the rainy season and frequent localized heavy rains.

According to the Agricultural Technology Center on the 8th, when rice is submerged by heavy rain, rapid disease outbreaks can significantly reduce yield and quality.

To prevent this, it is necessary to promote root vitality through water drainage work and wash away soil sediment and foreign substances using high-pressure sprayers.

After the rain stops, reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer by about 20-30% and increasing potassium fertilizer by about 20-30% can reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

The Agricultural Technology Center expects an increase in the occurrence of rice blast, leaf sheath blight, white leaf blight, planthoppers, and rice stem borers, and plans to strengthen field surveillance and provide guidance to minimize crop damage through early pest and disease control.

They will also conduct continuous monitoring of agricultural disasters such as the rainy season and typhoons using the Rural Development Administration’s Agricultural Weather Information Service System.

To prevent damage, they plan to strengthen publicity through emergency text services and local community leaders in each eup, myeon, and dong for drainage maintenance around farmland and preemptive pest control during the rainy season.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center said, “Last year, there was significant damage due to frequent rice blast outbreaks caused by heavy rain, but farms that preemptively controlled pests and diseases suffered less damage,” adding, “Please hurry with preemptive control of major diseases and pests to minimize damage after the rainy season.”