Magnaporthe oryzae

20th April, 2023 Agriculture

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Context

Scientists have warned that the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, which is destroying South American wheat crops, could spread worldwide.

Fast Facts

Researchers first detected the pathogen in Brazilian wheat crops in the 1980s.
The fungus has since spread throughout South America.
Cases of infection have also been reported in Asia in 2016 and Africa in 2018.
Magnaporthe oryzae infects wild and cultivated grasses, most notably rice and wheat.
The pathogen affects the crop in a disease known as ‘wheat blast’.
The seriousness of the disease is indicated by the fact that crops are burnt to avoid this disease.
Wheat crops around the world are susceptible to the fungus, the researchers warned in the study.
The pathogen is also resistant to fungicides.
The biggest concern is that this fungus has the potential to affect not only wheat but also other major food crops.

Need for accurate, early detection

Genomic surveillance allows for early and accurate detection of these, which can lead to the discovery of the origin of the disease and help create a prevention strategy.

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Match the following:

Name of the disease Affected Plant

1. Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) a. Potato.

2. Gummosis b.Rice

3. Powdery mildew c. Pulses

4. Late blight d. Sugarcane

A. 1-a, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a

B. 1-b, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a

C. 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b

D. 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

Answer: B