Elite local rice varieties resistant to bacterial leaf streak caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola under field conditions in Burkina Faso

This study aims to evaluate the phenotype of nine genotypes of rice, during two consecutive seasons, in plots of rice farmers in irrigated plains Kou valley and Di. A Fisher block was implanted with three replicates at both sites on plots that had previously been shown to have a high incidence of bacterial leaf streak (BLS). The incidence, severity, growth rate of the disease, and the average yield of the different genotypes tested were assessed. In addition, climatic data including temperature and hygrometry were recorded in order to establish correlations between the various parameters measured. It was noted that the first symptoms appeared on susceptible varieties as of 30 DAT and progressed over time to reach higher levels (100%) by 72 DAT. The results show that FKR19, WAB181-18, FKR45N, and FKR49N genotypes were shown to be resistant despite the high pressure of BLS. However, high temperature and hygrometry significantly influenced the BLS severity (r = 0.8), which had a significant effect on the potential yield of the tested varieties (P = 0.00014). Therefore, adhesion to the cropping calendar and use of resistant varieties are some of the best strategies to reduce the incidence of BLS in rice-growing conditions in Burkina Faso. Key words: Rice, bacterial leaf blight, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola, resistant.