Wheat Blast | Agriculture | 55316

🌾 Wheat Blast Disease: A Global Threat to Wheat Security Wheat Blast is a devastating fungal disease that targets the wheat spike, causing serious yield loss and posing a significant threat to global food security. The disease is caused by a specialized strain of the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT), which is genetically distinct from the common rice blast pathogen. 🧬 Scientific Name: Magnaporthe oryzae (Triticum lineage) First reported: 1985 in Brazil Detected in Asia: First reported in Bangladesh in 2016 (Meherpur & Chuadanga) 🌍 Global Context: Originating in South America, wheat blast has become a global concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Countries affected or at risk include: 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇧🇴 Bolivia, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇮🇳 India, 🇳🇵 Nepal The FAO and international research bodies (e.g., CIMMYT, IRRI) have declared Wheat Blast a priority transboundary plant disease due to its rapid spread, yield impact, and lack of complete control methods. Global wheat production is at risk, particularly in climate-vulnerable zones where the disease thrives in warm and humid conditions. 🛑 Why It Matters: Wheat is a global staple, feeding billions. Up to 100% crop loss can occur under favorable conditions for the fungus. The disease is airborne, spreads rapidly, and can cross borders via infected seeds, making containment difficult. 🔬 Symptoms of Wheat Blast: Ashy gray or brown lesions on wheat heads Premature drying and whitening of the spike Unfilled, shriveled, or missing grains Green lower leaves with dead upper parts (Green Leaf Syndrome) Rapid spread under warm and moist weather 🔄 Transmission Sources: Airborne spores, rain splashes, contaminated seeds, and crop residues Warm and humid conditions accelerate fungal growth 🛡️ Integrated Management Approach: Resistant Varieties: Use cultivars like BARI Gom 33, which show partial resistance Crop Rotation: Avoid consecutive wheat crops in the same field Seed Treatment: Apply fungicide to seeds to prevent initial infection Field Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plants early to limit spread Fungicide Application: Offers limited control; should be used as a supporting measure only 📌 Bangladesh Scenario: In 2016, Wheat Blast affected 15,741 hectares of land in Bangladesh during its first outbreak Major disruption to national wheat production Ongoing national efforts include: Varietal development Surveillance systems Farmer awareness programs Collaboration with international research institutes for long-term solutions 🎯 Objective: To protect wheat crops using eco-friendly, sustainable, and science-backed practices that reduce disease pressure and ensure food security at both local and global levels.