Narrow brown leaf spot (NBLS) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is caused by Cercospora janseana (Racib). O. Const.
(Synonyms: Cercospora oryzae Miyake, Passalora janseana Racib. U.). Experimental studies were conducted
at Rice Research Station, Louisiana State University, and Agricultural Center, Crowley, to manage
NBLS by fungicide application of propiconazole at different growth stages of rice cultivars having
different susceptibility levels to NBLS in different planting dates. Results of these studies revealed that
April (early) had less NBLS severity as compared to May (late) planting. Very susceptible cultivars, CL131
and Cheniere, had the highest and resistant cultivars, Della and Presidio, had the lowest NBLS severity at
both the planting dates. Propiconazole application significantly reduced the NBLS severity in comparison
to untreated. Fungicide application at panicle initiation was the most effective time to manage NBLS on
the very susceptible and susceptible cultivars at both planting dates. NBLS on moderately susceptible
cultivars was best managed by applying fungicide either at panicle initiation or early boot stage in early
planting but panicle initiationwas the best time to apply fungicide in late planting. Resistant cultivars did
not need fungicide in April planting but did need in May planting. Rice yield was determined to be higher
in April than May planting. Fungicide application at early boot stage protected the yield by 9.4% in April
planting and 34.2% when applied at panicle initiation in May. Susceptible cultivar, Cheniere, exhibited the
greatest yield and resistant cultivars had lowest yield in both the planting dates regardless of its susceptibility
level to NBLS. Yield of very susceptible to susceptible cultivars was reduced in late planting but
no effect was observed on yield of moderately susceptible and resistant cultivars.