Reaction of Upland Rice (Oryza spp.) Genotypes to Brown Spot (Bipolaris oryzae) Under Upland Condition in Metekel Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Brown spot of rice caused by the fungal pathogen Bipolaris oryzae (Breda de Haan) Shoemaker is a major problem of rice production, resulting in substantial grain yield losses both in quantity and quality. Among disease management approaches, the use of host resistance is recommended as the most effective and inexpensive method for farmers to manage rice diseases. The present study aimed to identify upland rice genotypes having resistance to rice brown spot. Fifteen upland rice genotypes (Adet, Andassa, Chawaqa, FOFFIFA 4129, Fogera 1, Getachew, Hidassie, Kokit, NERICA 12, NERICA 13, NERICA 3, NERICA 4, Pawe 1, SUPERICA 1, Tana) along with two check varieties (Getachew and Fogera 1) were evaluated for their reaction to brown spot at adult stage at Pawe Agricultural Research Center (PARC) of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) for two seasons during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The widely cultivated rice genotype in the area ‘Pawe 1’, showed a resistant (R) reaction, while most (73.33%) of the genotypes showed moderately resistant (MR) response to infection by the pathogen. However, only three (20%) genotypes, namely Andassa, Getachew and Tana were moderately susceptible (MS) to the disease. In conclusion, the present investigation suggested that the majority of the tested rice genotypes were moderately resistant against brown spot and can be utilized as a source of resistance in breeding program against brown spot of upland rice. Further study should consider evaluation of larger materials against the pathogen both in greenhouse and under field condition.