Rice Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) Disease in Indonesia

Abstract

Blast disease in Indonesia has widely spread and caused damage to rice production. It was reported in 2022 that around 32434 Ha area of paddy rice field had been attacked by blast disease. Blast attacks at vegetative and generative stages can cause plant death and Crop failure. Blast disease was first discovered in upland rice fields which has spread widely and caused damage to lowland rice. Blast attacks tend to increase every year, especially in irrigated rice fields. Indonesia's most widespread blast attack area, with a very high level of damage, is the province of West Java. A few years ago, the intensity of blast attacks fluctuated. Blast attacks occurred in 33 provinces in Indonesia. Several factors influence the intensity of blast attacks in Indonesia. High doses of N fertilizer, rice varieties, frequently use of pesticide and weed control techniques had been known as factors that could increase blast attacks on rice. Integrated rice blast disease-control techniques in Indonesia are a combination of several techniques. It works to minimize the impact and prevent disease.