Evaluation of rice genotypes for resistance against false smut

Abstract

False smut (Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke) Takahashi) of rice is of serious concern to the rice growers as it affects rice quality and significantly reduces the yield particularly in hybrid rice. One hundred twenty-five genotypes including 18 inbreds from National Hybrid Screening Nursery (NHSN) were evaluated for their resistance/susceptibility to the disease under artificial inoculation conditions. PR 116 was planted as susceptible check.