Occurrence, distribution, and management experiences of rice ( <i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) major diseases and pests in Ethiopia: a review

Abstract

Rice is a very important cereal crop almost all over the world, but in recent years, its production and productivity have been hindered by several limiting factors. Fungi, bacteria, viruses, insects, and nematodes have caused problems in rice crops all over the world. This review looks at the data on major diseases and pests of rice in Ethiopia and makes a few suggestions for future research work. Brown spot, Downy mildew, Kernel smut, Leaf blast, Node and Neck blast, Panicle blast, Sheath blight, Sheath brown rot, Sheath rot, Rice Yellow Mottle Virus, Bacterial leaf strike, and Nematodes are just some of the diseases affecting rice in Ethiopia, and their prevalence ranges from 7% in sheath blight in the Amhara region to 100% in leaf and panicle blast in the Benishangul-Gumuz region and from the Southern Nations, Nationalities’, and Peoples’ Regional State (SNNPRS). Termites and rice stem borers are, moreover, the most common rice pests described in Ethiopia. Even though there is a rich source of literature on the management options of rice diseases across the world using fungicides, resistance varieties, germplasms, botanicals, and bioagents, only a few management practices, such as the use of fungicides, resistant varieties, and germplasms, have been studied in Ethiopia, but there is not much data available. There needs to be more research on the occurrence, distribution, current status, and yield losses of these diseases and pests, and more investigation into management options such as biological control, botanicals, and cultural practices.