The Etiology of Red Stripe of Rice: Current Status and Future Directions

Red stripe is an emerging disease* of the rice crop that has been observed in recent years in intensive rice production systems of Southeast Asia. Initial lesions are pin-sized spots, often light yellow green to light orange (Fig. 1a). An older lesion appears as an orange spot with a stripe that advances toward the leaf tip (Fig. 1b). Lesions may become necrotic and coalesce, ultimately blighting the leaves. Although more common on leaves, red stripe lesions are also found on sheaths. Typical symptoms are usually observed from flowering to ripening. *In this review, the term “disease” is defined as any disturbance of the plant that interferes with its normal growth and development (e.g., structure and function), economic value, or aesthetic quality and leads to the development of symptoms (Shurtleff and Averre 1997). A disease is caused by biotic or abiotic agents.