This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae. The symptoms of the disease are distinguished in three phases.

(i) Blighting phase- Straw to yellow coloured strips with wavy margin appear on leaves followed by drying and twisting of tips.

(ii) Kresk phase- it is the wilting phase which results in complete rolling and drooping of leaves. In severe case the plant dies.

(iii) Pale-yellow leaf phase- Leaves turn yellowish brown and die. However, this stage is seen in Philippines only.