Browsing by Author "Ceko, Medel L."

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    Rice farmers' production practices: contributory factors to the dispersal of rice brown leaf spot in San Fabian, Pangasinan
    (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- North La Union Campus, 2023-05) Ceko, Medel L.
    CEKO, MEDEL L. (2023); Rice Farmers’ Production Practices: Contributory Factors to the Dispersal of Rice Brown Leaf Spot in San Fabian, Pangasinan. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Major in Crop Protection – Plant Pathology. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – North La Union Campus, College of Agriculture, Bacnotan, La Union. Adviser: Angeles, Yolanda, B. Rice is the staple of more than half of the world’s population, however, it is continuously being devastated by various pathogens. This study aimed to assess the contribution of farmers' practices on the dispersal of rice leaf brown spots in five barangays in San Fabian, Pangasinan, and to characterize the morphology of the disease. Field surveys and interviews were conducted to determine the farming practices used in the area. The morphology of the brown spot was examined through laboratory analysis, which included light microscopy and pathogenicity test. The results showed that the use of inbred seeds, poor irrigation and weed management, use of inappropriate pesticides, recycling of rice straws and poor disposal of diseased plant debris and monocropping were the main contributors to the spread of rice leaf brown spots. Farmers who used inbred seeds had a high incidence of the disease. Additionally, farmers who had poor weed and irrigation management practices had higher disease incidence due to the favorable conditions for disease development. Monocropping was also found to be a significant factor in spreading the disease. Morphological characterization of the brown leaf spot revealed that the pathogen responsible for the disease was a species of Bipolaris. The brown spot lesions had a distinct brown color and were circular in shape, with a diameter of approximately 2-6mm. The lesions had a yellow halo surrounding them, and under a microscope, the pathogen was seen as dark, spindle-shaped conidia. In conclusion, farmers' practices play a crucial role in the dispersal of rice leaf brown spots in San Fabian, Pangasinan. The use of inbred seeds, poor weed and irrigation management, use of inappropriate pesticides and mono-cropping were found to contribute significantly to the spread of the disease. Characterization of the brown spot provided valuable information on the morphology of the pathogen and the disease, which can be useful in developing effective control measures.