Stem rot of rice (Sclerotium oryzae Catt.)

Manipur state lies in the North Eastern corner of India bordering Myanmar.The physiography, ethnicity, , food habit and cultural identities of the local people closely links with the rest of South East Asia.Rice is the staple food crop of the region .Over the years introduction of new agricultural technologies ,changes in farming techniques and introduction of new varieties of crops have been adopted to boost up the yield outputs.In addition to the changes in the agricultural practices of the farmers, the consequence of global warming affecting local agriculture,has been very obvious. Eventually, pests and diseases that were once unknown or minor have been encountered and become major threats. Stem rot of rice is one such disease which has from nil ,made its presence at an alarming concern in the last decade. The presentation given here is the findings on the status of the disease in the wet land of the Manipur valley. Acknowledgement: Prof. N.Iboton Singh, Dean, and Asso. Prof. Dr. R.K.Tombisana Devi, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba, Imphal, Manipur Dr.G.K.N.Chhetri, Asso. Prof. Life Science Dept. Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur.