[Pest information corner] – Bacterial leaf blight (blb) and Bacterial leaf streak (bls) are damaging rice in the North Central Region

1. Pest situation

At present, most rice in the North Central region is at the panicle initiation stage. Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and bacterial leaf streak (BLS) are causing severe damage in many districts of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces.

2. Occurrence, development and damage characteristics of bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and bacterial leaf streak (BLS) on rice

The panicle initiation stage is when rice plants are highly susceptible to pests and diseases because it directly affects panicle differentiation, the formation of branches and florets, and thus the number of grains per panicle. This is also the stage when the “flag leaf set” fully expands, playing a decisive role in photosynthesis and starch accumulation for grain filling, thereby determining yield. Therefore, protecting rice at this stage from key diseases, especially bacterial leaf blight and bacterial leaf streak, is of critical importance.

Under hot, humid weather conditions, especially with frequent night-time rainfall or heavy fog as currently observed in the North Central region, bacteria develop and spread very quickly, causing leaf blight and leaf streak on rice. Fields with unbalanced fertilization (excess nitrogen) are particularly vulnerable.

Once infected, the photosynthetic capacity of rice leaves is significantly reduced, and bacterial blockage of the vascular bundles leads to severe yield losses.

3. Control measures for bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and bacterial leaf streak (BLS) on rice

To proactively prevent bacterial leaf blight and leaf streak on rice, farmers should:
- Apply a balanced panicle-initiation fertilizer regime, with particular attention to appropriate nitrogen rates
- Inspect fields frequently and apply preventive chemical sprays in a timely manner, especially before and during periods of unfavorable weather.

From VFC, we would like to introduce an effective solution for controlling bacterial diseases on rice: XANTOCIN 40WP – WORRY-FREE BACTERIAL CONTROL.
- XANTOCIN 40WP – Provides effective control of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Specifically indicated for bacterial leaf spots, bacterial leaf blight and bacterial stem rot on rice.
- XANTOCIN 40WP – Not only suppresses bacteria externally but also activates resistance genes inside the plant.
- XANTOCIN 40WP – Readily absorbed through both leaves and roots, allowing for either foliar spraying or mixing with fertilizer for broadcasting, ensuring high efficacy and cost savings.
- XANTOCIN 40WP – Safe for users and animals.

Below are some photos of rice fields where farmers have used XANTOCIN 40WP to manage bacterial leaf blight and bacterial leaf streak.