The bakanae (foolish seedling), a disease of rice seedlings was caused by a fungal pathogen____

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Disease**: The question refers to the "bakanae" disease, also known as "foolish seedling" disease, which affects rice seedlings.

2. **Determine the Cause**: The question asks for the fungal pathogen responsible for this disease.

3. **Research the Pathogen**: The specific fungal pathogen that causes bakanae disease is identified as Gibberella fujikuroi.

4. **Understand the Effects**: This pathogen affects the rice seedlings by reducing chlorophyll content, making the plants chlorophyll-less. This leads to infertility, meaning the plants cannot produce edible grains.

5. **Consequences of Infection**: Infected rice seedlings become unable to support their weight and may eventually die due to the effects of the disease.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the fungal pathogen responsible for bakanae disease in rice seedlings is **Gibberella fujikuroi**.

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