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Magnaporthe oryzae, commonly known as the rice blast fungus, is a significant pathogen affecting rice crops worldwide. This oomycete, though not a true fungus, belongs to the same group as fungi and shares similar pathogenic mechanisms. It causes blast disease in rice, leading to severe yield losses by infecting the plant's tissues and disrupting nutrient transport. The fungus produces specialized structures called appressoria to penetrate the host plant, followed by the formation of a haustorium that facilitates nutrient extraction. Understanding and managing M. oryzae is crucial for agricultural sustainability, as it poses a major threat to rice production in many regions.
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