Dirty panicle

Dirty panicle / Grain discoloration (Helminthosporium oryzae / Curvularia spp. / Fusarium spp. / Sarocladium oryzae) is a fungal disease complex affecting rice grains from heading through maturity. Symptoms feature brownish, dark gray, blackish, or reddish discoloration spots on the glumes, giving the panicles a dirty and dull appearance. Severe infection results in unfilled grains, reduced grain weight and milling quality, as well as lower seed germination rates.