Rice is one of the staple foods for the majority of the global population that depends directly or indirectly on it. The yield of this important crop is constantly challenged by various biotic stresses. Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae), is a devastating rice disease causing severe yield losses annually and threatening rice production globally. The development of a resistant variety is one of the most effective and economical approaches to control rice blast. Researchers in the past few decades have witnessed the characterization of several qualitative resistance (R) and quantitative resistance (qR) genes to blast disease as well as several avirulence (Avr) genes from the pathogen. These provide great help for either breeders to develop a resistant variety or pathologists to monitor the dynamics of pathogenic isolates, and ultimately to control the disease. Here, we summarize the current status of the isolation of R, qR and Avr genes in the rice–M. oryzae interaction system, and review the progresses and problems of these genes utilized in practice for reducing rice blast disease. Research perspectives towards better managing blast disease by developing a broad-spectrum and durable blast resistance variety and new fungicides are also discussed.

Rice is a vital component in the diets of many people worldwide, supplying necessary calories for subsistence. Nevertheless, the yield of this crucial agricultural crop is consistently hindered by a range of biotic stresses. Out of these, rice blast, claused mainly by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a significant menace to worldwide rice cultivation as well as yield in recent years. The consequences are particularly crucial given the current climate change challenges. In recent decades, substantial progress has been achieved in the development of efficient ways to manage rice blast disease. These procedures entail using a variety of rice genetic resources to find, map, clone, and functionally validate individual resistance (R) genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that provide long-lasting resistance to rice blast disease. Moreover, the replication and practical confirmation of homologous avirulence (Avr) genes in various M. oryzae strains have been crucial in comprehending the fundamental molecular mechanisms of host–pathogen interactions. This article offers a thorough examination of the cloning and functional verification of different R genes and QTLs linked to resistance against rice blast disease. The complex interplay between R–Avr pairings, which contributes to the development of resistance against rice blast throughout a wide range, is thoroughly explained. Finally, this study explores the most recent progress in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genome editing technologies (GETs), examining their potential uses in improving the treatment of rice blast disease.

Chemical fertilizers are commonly used to meet the nutritional demands of crops and boost their yields. However, their high costs and excessive application in soils increase the cost of production and have negative effects on the soil and environmental health. Vermicompost is an organic amendment that can potentially lessen the dependence on chemical fertilizers, with the additional advantages of sustainable nutrient supply to crops and maintaining soil health. To evaluate the potential of the two diverse vermicompost, the sole and combined applications of these vermicompost with reduced rates of chemical fertilizers were used for tomato cultivation in a field study. The results indicated that vermicompost produced from cattle manure combined with chemical fertilizers was more effective in improving tomato growth, physiology, yield, and nutritional attributes. Compared to the control treatment (NP applied), the combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer significantly improved the root length (21.6%), plant height (167%), SPAD value (13.5%), chlorophyll ‘a’ (96%), chlorophyll ‘b’ (161%), relative water content (16%), membrane stability index (18%), carotenoid (87%), yield (82%), photosynthetic rate (148%), fruit diameter (83%), protein (89%), fat (27.5%), fiber (12%), vitamin C (52%), calcium (54%), magnesium (117%), phosphorus (38%) and potassium (128%). In addition, significant improvements in different soil physicochemical properties were also pragmatic. The results suggest that vermicompost application with reduced doses of chemical fertilizers can be used to improve crop yield and soil physico-chemical properties.