Khaira Disease of Rice: Cause, Symptoms and Management
The Khaira disease of rice was first reported in 1966 at Pant nagar, Uttrakhand by Y. L. Nene. This is an important physiological disorder of rice plant. The plant disorder has no relation with biological agents.
INDEX
Name | Khaira Disease of Rice |
Type | Plant/crop abnormality, Non-biological Plant Disease |
Cause | Non-biological |
Area | All rice growing areas are affected |

TOPICS
S. No. | Heading(s) |
1. | Cause of The Disease |
2. | Symptoms and Identification |
3. | Management of The Disease |
4. | Important Things |
5. | Explanation of Post Related Questions |
6. | Frequently Asked Questions |
7. | Recent Posts |
8. | Other Posts |
(1). Cause of The Disease
This disease is caused in rice plants due to the deficiency of a very important nutrient in the soil. It is a micro nutrient which known as zinc. So, it is a type of disease in paddy crop which is caused by abiotic factor instead biotic factors.
1.1 Crop Intensity
This disease is common in densely or intensively planted rice field.
1.2 Types of Soil
Type 01
The saline-sodic type of soil is another important factor of khaira disease.
Type 02
Calcareous soils + High Organic Matter.
Type 03
When total available phosphorus is higher in soil.
Type 04
High pH in soil.
1.3 Water
Irrigation water having higher bicarbonate concentration.
Point 1.1 is conditional and minor cause of the disease. And, it can be managed easily using simple agronomical practices such as SRI method.
Read next paragraph….
“यह रोग मिट्टी में जस्ते की कमी से होती है। प्रभावित फसल की निचली पत्तियाँ पीली पड़ना शुरू हो जाती हैं और बाद में पत्तियों पर कत्थई रंग के छिटकवाँ धब्बे लगते हैं। कल्ले कम निकलते हैं तथा पौधों की वृद्धि रुक जाती है।”
-निदेशालय विस्तार सेवाएँ, इंदिरा गांधी कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, रायपुर (छ. ग.)
Translation
“This disease in soil, occurs due to lack of zinc. The lower leaves of the affected crop begin to turn yellow and later the leaves are streaked with brown coloured spots. The buds sprout less and the plant growth inhibited.”
-Directorate Extension Services, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.)
Also Read: Polyphagous Insect-pests of Field and Plantation Crops.
(2). Symptoms and Identification
2.1 Appearance
Symptoms appear after sowing in nursery or field and transplanting in field which is 15 – 30 DAS.
2.2 Chlorosis
Chlorosis starts from the base of leaves. It is common in younger plants. The midribs at the base become chlorotic in younger leaves.
2.3 Bronzing
Bronzing appears on leaf surface in the form of blotches. It seams like something sprayed over the leaf surface.
In advance stage, entire leaf turns into rusty-brown known as Khaira disease.
2.4 Root Growth
Plant root growth is restricted. Roots also turn brown in colour.
The symptoms of the disease can be seen in different stage:
Stage 01
Tip of the leaf become yellow.
Stage 02
Leaves start drying….
Stage 03
Plants become stunted.
Colouration on the surface of leaves can be seen. The colouration can be recognized by the rust or brownish red colour.
(3). Management of The Disease
3.1 Application of Zinc Sulphate
On an average 25 kg Zinc Sulphate per hactare should be applied. It can be done before transplanting or sowing. The next application of zinc sulphate is done after 3 years.
3.2 Root Treatment
The roots of seedling should be dipped in 2% ZnO suspension.
3.3 Spraying Zinc Sulphate
0.5% zinc sulphate solution is used as spraying agent. It is done once crop is affected. Spraying is done 3 times at 15 day’s intervals.
Formula is- 5 kg zinc sulphate + 2.5 kg of lime + 1000 litre of water.
Read Next Paragraph….
“यह रोग न लगे, इसके लिए 25 कि.ग्रा. जिंक सल्फेट प्रति हेक्टेयर की दर से रोपाई या बुवाई से पूर्व खेत की तैयारी के समय डालना चाहिये। रोग लगने के बाद इसकी रोकथाम के लिए 5 कि.ग्रा. जिंक सल्फेट तथा 2.5 कि.ग्रा. चूना 600-700 लीटर पानी में घोलकर प्रति हेक्टेयर की दर से छिड़काव करें।”
-निदेशालय विस्तार सेवाएँ, इंदिरा गांधी कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, रायपुर (छ. ग.)
“To prevent this disease, 25 kg of zinc sulphate per hectare should be applied at the time of field preparation before transplanting or sowing. After the appearance of the disease, 5 kg of zinc sulphate and 2.5 kg of lime dissolved in 600 – 700 liters of water should be sprayed per hectare.”
-Directorate Extension Services, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.)
(4). Important Things
Khaira disease is caused by the deficiency of Zn in soil. Generally, it is a disease of rice seen in nursery stage.
(5). Explanation of Post Related Questions
01. Micro Nutrient
Micro nutrients or trace elements are essential chemicals needed by plants in minute quantities.
02. SRI Method
SRI method is a method developed for rice cultivation. The full form of SRI is System of Rice Intensification.
(6). Frequently Asked Questions
Question 01. Can a rice plant die due to khaira disease?
Answer: Yes, a rice plant can die in extreme situations.
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REFERENCES
- ICAR.
- IGKV.