Field library

Rice Blast

Spindle-shaped spots with grey centres and brown edges on the leaves. The dangerous form is neck blast, where the node just below the panicle turns black and rots, so the whole head dies and stays empty. Heavy nitrogen, dense planting and cool humid nights all raise the risk sharply.

How to scout

Check leaves at tillering, then check the neck of the panicle at heading. Neck blast is what empties the head, so that inspection matters most.