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Rice sheath blight, caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn [Sexual stage: Thanetophorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk] is one of the major production constraints in rice-growing countries of the world. Under conditions favoring disease, up to 50% of grain yield may be lost. Control may be achieved with fungicides5, but cost and the potential for development of pathogen resistance make plant genetic resistance preferable. Plants can be induced locally and systemically to become more resistant to diseases through various biotic or abiotic stresses. If integrated properly in plant health management programs, they can prolong the useful life of both the resistance genes and the fungicides presently used Thifluzamide is a member of the carboxamide class of fungicides which is single-site inhibitors of the succinate ubiquinone reductase or succinate dehydrigenase (Sdh) complex in the respiratory chain3 interfere with fungal respiration via their inhibitory effect on succinate dehydrogenase within the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We have observed Thifluzamide to be effective in controlling rice sheath blight and therefore the fungicide can fit into resistance management system by integrating in spray schedules in potential rice growing tracts.

Key words: Rhizoctonia solani, Pathogen, Tricarboxylic acid, Thanetophorus cucumeris