INTRODUCTION
Bakanae and foot rot, incited by the fungus Fusarium moniliforme Sheld, the imperfect stage of Gibberella fujikuroi is one of the most important and widely distributed diseases of rice (Oryza sativa L.) (Ou, 1985). This disease was first reported by Khokhar (1990) in Punjab, Pakistan. The most conspicuous and common symptoms are yellowish green, this leaves and abnormal stem elongation, lower tillering and rotting at the root-stem joint as well as at the first node (Ou, 1985).
Yield losses as high as 20% reported by Ito and Kimura (1931) and in Japan 40-50% loss reported by Kinki-Chugoku Regional Agricultural Committee (1975). In India, 15% loss was recorded by Pavgi and Singh (1964) and Kanjanasoon (1965) reported 3.7-14.7% loss due to bakanae and foot rot in Thailand
The most efficient and economical approach to mitigate the menace of bakanae and foot rot disease is the use of resistant varieties by the farmers. It was, therefore, found essential to identify resistance against bakanae and foot rot disease in rice cultivars under inoculated greenhouse and field conditions.