Two rows of 2.1 m length for each entry. The national susceptible check TN-1 and state susceptible check GR-11 were planted after every 10th entry. The local susceptible check GR-11 was planted around the screening nursery.

The fresh local isolate of Rhizoctonia solani was multiplied on autoclaved rice culm bits (5-7 cm) or rice: hull (1:3) medium. Inoculate test entries at tillering stage by placing the inoculum between the tillers just above the water line. Alternatively, fresh sheath blight infected material with active lesions can also be used as inoculum. The disease score of sheath blight was recorded from heading stage onwards according to modified 1 to 9 SES scale. (2013).