Rhizoctonia: An Emerging Threat to Field Crops

Rhizoctonia is one of the most important genera of soil-inhabiting fungi responsible for inhibiting plant growth at all stages of development by causing damping off, seedling rot, root rot, collar rot, and wilt. The fungus causes considerable damage to the yield of a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, maize, soybean, and pulses. Due to its distinctive ability to produce durable survival structures, overwinter in soil, and on alternate hosts, the fungus is difficult to manage. The role of seed treatment chemicals in providing protection in the early stages of the crop and foliar sprays to prevent further development and spread of the pathogen is important. An integrated management approach should be followed, which keeps a check on health of the plant at each stage of development.