VIRULENCE ANALYSIS OF PYRICULARIA ORYZAE ISOLATES CAUSING WHEAT BLAST IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Pyricularia oryzae pathotype Triticum, causal agent of wheat blast, has
emerged in Bangladesh as a serious threat for wheat production. Virulence
analysis of plant pathogen can reveal the pathogenic nature of that pathogen. In
the present study, twenty-four monoconidial isolates of P. oryzae from
Chuadanga, Meherpur, Kustia and Jhenaidaha districts of Bangladesh were
analyzed to observe their pathogenic potential. Based on the disease reactions, all
the isolates were grouped into 3 pathotypes. Present investigation revealed that
the isolates with high virulence were prevalent in the studied P. oryzae
population. Again, Pathotype 1 that was identified as the most virulent can be
used as reference for screening resistant wheat varieties.