AsaaseYaaRice blast
A fungus that makes eye-shaped spots on rice leaves and can break the neck of the panicle.
What it looks like
Every field looks a little different. If you are not sure, ask in the app’s Farmers, or ask an agronomist.
When it comes
What to look for
Look at the leaves twice a week. Grey or white pointy spots = rice blast (a serious disease — treat right away). Yellow patches with dying plants = planthoppers (treat fast). Wilted central leaves = stem-eating worms inside.
Check at sunrise every day when the rice flowers come out. Rice bugs feed on the soft grains and leave behind empty husks. If you see a brown ring at the bottom of the flower head, that's neck blast — treat right away.
What to do
Leaf spot disease
A fungus or bacteria that spreads in wet, warm weather.
- Pick off spotted leaves and take them far from the field. Burn or bury them.
- Water the soil, not the leaves, and water in the morning so the leaves dry.
- If it spreads fast, ask the agro-shop for a fungicide made for your crop (often copper-based) and follow the label.
Don’t: Do not leave sick leaves on the ground. Wash your hands and tools before touching healthy plants.
General advice from crop guides for Ghana. Before you spray, ask your agro-input dealer for a product registered for this pest, read the label, and wear gloves. For a serious attack, call your district agriculture office or an agronomist.
Catch it early
AsaaseYaa reminds you when to check your crop for pests, and shows you what to look for. Free.