What is the pathogen of Udbatta disease of rice?

Correct option is D

✅ Correct option: (d) Ephelis oryzae
· Udbatta disease (also called “broom stick” disease of rice) is caused by Ephelis oryzae (also known as Balansia oryzae).
· It produces straight, stiff, broom-like panicles covered with fungal growth.
❌ Other options:
· (a) Trichoconis padwickii – Causes leaf scald disease in rice.
· (b) Entyloma oryzae – Causes rice smut.
· (c) Xanthomonas oryzae – Causes bacterial leaf blight (BLB) of rice.