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Abstract

Basmati rice, known for its aromatic fragrance and superior grain quality, faces significant challenges from various biotic and abiotic stresses, including foot rot caused by Fusarium moniliforme. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological responses of resistant and susceptible basmati rice varieties to F. moniliforme infection. Two resistant (Punjab mehak 1, Sugandhamati) and two susceptible (Punjab basmati 7, Punjab basmati 5) varieties were inoculated with F. moniliforme conidial suspension, and histopathological analysis was conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that in susceptible varieties, fungal hyphae proliferated in root tissues, leading to visible infection and structural changes, while resistant varieties showed no such infection even when inoculated. Optical microscopy revealed the development of infection structures such as swollen tip hyphae, appressorium, and fungal colonization in susceptible varieties, while these were absent in resistant ones. SEM analysis further confirmed the absence of fungal hyphae in resistant varieties, while inoculated susceptible varieties showed clear evidence of hyphal growth and disease progression. These findings highlight the differential responses of basmati rice varieties to F. moniliforme and suggest that resistance mechanisms in certain varieties prevent the pathogen from establishing infection, providing valuable insights for breeding resistant rice cultivars.