Rice hull and caryopsis discoloration diseases

Abstract

In West Africa, discoloration of the rice hull is influenced by water availability and soil properties. These two critical environmental factors were examined in controlled pot experiments in contrasting environments. Coarse upland soils and free-draining soil-water regimes increased hull discoloration disease severity, while lowland soils and water saturation minimized disease severity. However, with all soils tested, the humid, high-rainfall environment of S.E. Nigeria was found to increase hull discoloration in comparison to the drier West Nigerian environment.