Stem Nematode/ Ufra

Symptom

The symptoms occur in both seedling stage and transplanted plants. In the seedling stage, a marked chlorosis of the leaves is followed by withering and death. During vegetative growth, symptoms of nematode damage are prominent patches, or white speckles in a splash pattern at the bases of young leaves. Brown stains may develop on leaves and sheaths and later intensify to a dark brown colour, leaves inside such sheaths may be wrinkled. Young leaf bases are twisted. Leaf sheaths distorted, and the lower nodes can become swollen with irregular branching. Dark brown patches of ufra-infected plants can be observed in the field normally after panicle initiation. Three types of symptom based on the extent of panicle emergence occur at the heading stage. If the nematode damage occurs early, the entire panicle remains enclosed within a swollen leaf sheath. Panicle partially emerged but with unfilled grains. Panicle completely emerged but with unfilled grains. After heading, infected panicles and flag leaf are usually twisted and distorted. It also known as Ufra disease.  Stem nematode can singnificantly reduce plant heights and photosynthesis rates in leaves.