Occurrence and integrated control of major rice diseases in China

Abstract Rice is a vital staple food that sustains half of the world's population. However, it is constantly under threat from a variety of pathogens, including at least 13 fungi, 5 bacteria, 8 viruses, and 6 nematodes. These pathogens can significantly reduce rice yields, posing a serious risk to global food security. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, coupled with the effects of climate change, has further exacerbated the spread and mutation of these pathogens, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity. This review highlights the major diseases affecting rice in China, including three fungal diseases (rice blast, rice false smut, and rice sheath blight), two bacterial diseases (rice bacterial blight and bacterial leaf streak), two viral diseases (southern rice black‐streaked dwarf disease and rice stripe virus), and one nematode (rice root‐knot nematodes). The review also proposes future directions for an integrated approach to control these major rice diseases. Overall, addressing the threats posed by these pathogens is crucial to ensure a stable and secure global food supply.