Rice blast resistance improving, but bacterial leaf blight remains a challenge.
The study analyzed the disease resistance and breeding trends of photosensitive hybrid rice varieties in Guangxi over the past decade. They found that resistance to rice blast improved gradually, but resistance to bacterial leaf blight did not show significant improvement. The resistance index for rice blast decreased from 2003-2014, with the lowest point in 2012. Hybrid varieties derived from a specific male sterile line showed higher resistance to rice blast in recent years. The researchers suggest focusing on strengthening resistance breeding for rice blast and bacterial leaf blight in future rice breeding efforts in Guangxi.