Sheath blight is usually worse in thick, lush rice stands because of high relative humidity within the canopy. Little infection will occur in thin, short stands of rice because humidity within the canopy is low. Plant at the optimum time for a specific variety. Avoid extremely early planting. Use the most effective fungicide for sheath blight control at the internode elongation - 7 day growth stage.
Timing is essential for best fungicide effectiveness.
Earlier or later applications will not give effective sheath blight control. Cautions Do not apply fungicides to non-target areas such as fish ponds. Always follow label directions fully, especially any restriction regarding endangered species. Only a 3-ft long section of rice should be inspected at each stop for sheath blight symptoms. If symptoms are present the stop is positive.