I have been getting several messages about off-type plants that are starting to head. They are taller, paler, and could be confused with watergrass. Some of them have a flag leaf that is yellow and stands out. These plants are most likely infected with bakanae. To confirm, slice the crown and see if it is rotting. If the crown looks healthy, then the plant may be an off-type, variety contamination, or weedy rice.

Plants infected with bakanae appear taller, are light green, and will produce a panicle. However, the panicle will blank out.

To confirm bakanae infection, slice the crown of the plant. If it is discolored, the plant is infected.

I don't know why we are seeing more bakanae in the past few years. Bleaching is very effective in reducing bakanae infection. However, if the seed is held without water for more than a day before seeding, it can warm up. This increase in temperature allows any surviving bakanae spores to germinate and produce more spores, resulting in more infection. Also, bakanae can survive in the soil; it may take a few years for the disease to go under the radar again if the seed is being treated every year.