The disease which is due to Zn-deficiency in rice was first discovered and reported from India by which scientist and its name?

Correct option is D

Dr. Y.L. Nene, a prominent Indian plant pathologist, is credited with the discovery and naming of the "Khaira disease" in rice, which was first reported in India. He linked this condition to zinc (Zn) deficiency in paddy fields—a major advancement in understanding micronutrient-related disorders in crop health.
�� Why Dr. Y.L. Nene – Khaira is the Correct Answer:
· Khaira Disease in Rice:
· Characterized by chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves, mainly starting from the base upwards.
· Affected plants are stunted, with poor tillering and low grain yield.
· The term "Khaira" (meaning “gray” or “ash-colored” in Hindi) was used due to the appearance of affected rice plants.
· Nutritional Basis:
· Dr. Nene was the first to demonstrate that zinc deficiency was the primary cause of this disorder.
· His diagnosis led to zinc sulfate being used as a corrective measure, significantly improving rice productivity in affected regions.
· Agronomic Impact:
· This discovery had a major impact on Indian rice cultivation, especially in zinc-deficient soils like those in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
· It marked a paradigm shift from viewing the condition as a disease to understanding it as a nutritional disorder.