"Rice blast disease in Republic of Macedonia and Peoples Republic of China, sources for resistance and material for selection"

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a major crop in Macedonia. The most important rice disease is rice blast caused by Pyricularia grisea. One of the most effective means of controlling rice blast disease is the development and use of resistant rice cultivars. R. Macedonia is planning to examine vertical and horizontal resistance to Pyricularia grisea in several rice varieties from Europe and People’s Republic of China. During the first year of the project we expect to identify the pathotypes of Pyricularia grisea. Because we still do not have complete instruments for molecular examinations we expect this part of the project to be done in People’s Republic of China. During the second year we plan to study vertical (rice - specific) and horizontal (rice non-specific, field, durable) resistance of rice cultivars from Europe and People’s Republic of China in order to explore more rice resistance varieties to the pathogen Pyricularia grisea that make great damages in rice fields worldwide. The results will be very helpful for future scientific examinations and for rice growers. During the third year of the project, examinations of vertical (rice - specific) and horizontal (rice non-specific, field, durable) resistance of rice cultivars are going to be finished. We expect one researcher from our side to stay in People’s Republic of China in order to take part in genetic researches of Pyricularia grisea and to learn some new methods there