Concerns Over Early Spread of Leaf Blast Disease During Monsoon Season, Early Control Measures Needed

Gumi Agricultural Technology Center Urges Proper Application of Registered Pesticides and Fertilizer Management

The Gumi Agricultural Technology Center in Gyeongbuk has urged early control measures to prevent the spread of rice blast disease in rice cultivation areas following heavy rains from late June.

Rice leaf blast disease.

Rice blast disease can occur throughout the entire growth period of rice. Leaf blast, in particular, mainly occurs at temperatures between 20 and 25℃, and appears in environments where nitrogen fertilizer is overused, frequent rain causes low temperature and high humidity, and sunlight is insufficient.

If leaf blast is not properly controlled in the early stages, it can spread to neck blast around the heading stage, significantly reducing both the yield and quality of rice.

According to the Daegu Regional Meteorological Administration, the cumulative rainfall in Daegu and Gyeongbuk from June 21 to 30 was 179mm, the second highest on record.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center stated, "Due to the heavy rains in late June, conditions favorable for the occurrence of blast disease were created, accelerating its outbreak and spread compared to the previous year. Farmers cultivating varieties vulnerable to blast disease, such as Yeonghojinmi and Ilpum, are particularly concerned about the spread of leaf blast and must apply nitrogen fertilizer strictly according to the recommended amounts."

To suppress the spread of blast disease through early control, fields should be carefully monitored and treatment should begin immediately when 1 to 2 lesions appear. Registered pesticides containing active ingredients such as tricyclazole and azoxystrobin should be used, and when rainfall continues, treatment should be applied during breaks in the rain.

Kim Young-hyuk, director of the Agricultural Technology Center, said, "If the timing for controlling rice blast during the rainy season is missed, it can cause significant damage, so preventive control must be prioritized. We will do our best to strengthen pest and disease monitoring and provide prompt field technical support to minimize damage to farmers amid rapidly changing climate conditions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.