Development and characterization of blast resistant genetic stocks in rice for Pi 9 gene through backcross breeding

A major issue in rice production is the control of Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast. K 343 being a well adapted variety in the hill zone of Jammu and Kashmir region is susceptible to blast. Present study was undertaken to introgress the broad spectrum resistance gene Pi9 through marker assisted backcross breeding in order to avoid the losses due to this fungus.