Effect of Early Foliar Disease Control on Wheat Scab Severity (Fusarium graminearum)‎ in Argentina

Abstract EN

Wheat scab is common in Argentina mainly durum wheat and some bread varieties.

The epidemics occur every 5 to 7 years.

During the 2007, 2008, and 2009 growing seasons, three trials were conducted at the INTA Balcarce Experimental Station.

Each plot had six rows of 5 m long, spaced 0.15 m apart and was set up in a randomized complete block design with four replications.

Trifloxystrobin plus cyproconazole was sprayed at Z3.1 stage.

Treatments were sprayed at Z6.1 stage with tebuconazole, prochloraz, and metconazole to improve scab control.

Artificial inoculations were made in Z6.1.

Severity of Septoria leaf bloth and leaf rust was assessed in boot stage (Z3.9).

Scab severity was rated at early dough stage (Z8.3).

Yields were recorded each year.

Fungicide only applied at Z3.1 stage did not reduce field scab severity but reduced the seeds infection and increased the yields.

Early fungicide spray produced yield increase at about 22% and a decrease in seed infection of up to 40%.

Yields increased in a 55.3% and in a 19.6% when compared with the inoculated and not inoculated check, respectively.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar disease control on scab, crop yield, and seed health.