Bacterial Blight of Rice

Bacterial Blight of Rice offers a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most destructive diseases threatening global rice production. Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the staple food for more than half of the world's population, suffers severe yield losses—often 30-60%—from bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Although nearly 50 resistance (Xa) genes have been deployed in breeding programmes, the rapid evolution of Xoo races continues to undermine durable resistance, demanding a deeper understanding of pathogen diversity and host-pathogen interactions.

This book brings together foundational knowledge and the latest scientific advances to deliver a comprehensive account of bacterial blight. It covers disease history, symptoms, diagnostics, population biology, and pathotyping, with strong emphasis on Xoo genomics, hrp gene clusters, and effector-driven pathogenesis mediated by the type III secretion system. Cutting-edge resistance and management strategies—including gene pyramiding, genome-enabled breeding, genome editing, and eco-friendly, sustainable disease control—are presented in a clear, practical framework.

Distinctive for its systematic organization and research-backed content, the book also provides hands-on guidance for key techniques such as pathogen inoculation and virulence screening. Designed as both a textbook and a reference, it will be invaluable to students, researchers, breeders, extension professionals, policymakers, and progressive farmers.

Kalyan K. Mondal has over two decades of experience in bacterial blight research and has led multiple funded projects on Xoo type III secretion system effectors. His translational research enabled the development of seven bacterial blight-resistant rice varieties, significantly strengthening rice productivity. He also serves as an expert reviewer for the EuroXanth DokuWiki under the European COST programme.