Distribution of sheath blight disease (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn) on rice (Oryza sativa L) in Northern Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Sheath blight is one of the most important fungal rice diseases worldwide as well as in Indonesia, caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. Yield losses caused by sheath blight disease in the tropics reached 6%. This research was conducted by survey technique to measure the disease incidence and disease severity on rice plants in 13 (thirteen) locations representing 12 (twelve) districts in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Variable values of disease incidence and disease severity were found in surveyed locations. The results showed that Sumber Tani Talawi in Batubara district had both the highest disease incidence (99.48%) and the highest disease severity (12.36%).