First report of Bakanae disease caused by Fusarium proliferatum on rice in Turkey

The Bakanae disease caused by Gibberella fujikuroi species complex is one of the major fungal diseases of rice. It is present in the major rice production areas in the world. In 2016, field surveys were conducted from rice germination to maturity. Four isolates of Fusarium proliferatum associated with Bakanae disease were obtained from infected rice plants and identified using morphological and molecular-based methods. Pathogenicity tests were carried on susceptible rice variety. Initially, pale green to yellowing of leaves and thinner plants were observed. Then, these plants turned brownish and died, while control plants showed no symptoms. All isolates were found to be pathogenic. The disease severity values ranged from 27 to 66%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of F. proliferatum causing Bakanae disease on rice in Turkey.