Question

The rice seedlings infected with fungus Gibberella fujikuroi is called foolish seedlings? What was the reason behind it?

Answer 1

Foolish seedling:

• The foolish seedling or bakanae (‘baka’ means fool in Japanese) disease was first noticed by Japanese farmers.
• This disease is characterised by increased internodal length and low seed production in rice plants.
• Such seedlings produce empty panicles and cannot bear their own weight resulting in their lodging and death.
• Hence, the name is foolish seedling.
• Foolish seedling is caused due to gibberellins produced by the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi.