The effectiveness of pre-sowing seed treatment in the fight against diseases of grain sorghum

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this work is to investigate the composition of pathogenic mycoflora on seeds of grain sorghum in the Samara region and to study the effectiveness of dressing agents against pathogens in laboratory conditions. Research methodology and methods. The research was carried out on the basis of the laboratory of innovative technologies in breeding, seed production and seed science of the Volga NIISS, a branch of the SamSC RAS. The objects of research were two varieties of grain sorghum Ros’ and Kinel’skoe 63. Determination of the population of seeds by pathogenic organisms was carried out by the method of a wet chamber with their preliminary placement on corrugated filter paper in boxes with natural ventilation using the technique according to GOST 12044-93 and subsequent microscopy. To study the effect of plant protection chemicals, the seeds were treated with moisture (at the rate of 10 l/tons) with preparations of contact-systemic action Celeste Maks and Vitaros; contact – TMTD and Maksim; and systemic action - Armor. Untreated seeds were used as a control. The repetition is fourfold. Results. Correct diagnosis and knowledge of the causes of the onset of the disease, the peculiarities of the development of a particular pathogen will be the basis for the successful implementation of protective and preventive measures. Phytopathological examination of grain sorghum seeds, carried out by us in 2019–2020, shows that the most common fungi found on grain sorghum seeds are Cladosporium sp., Trichothecium roseum, Mucor sp., Penicillium sp. It has been established that dressing agents with varying efficiency – from 75.8 to 97.6 % reduce the contamination of seed material. Scientific novelty. A phytopathological assessment of grain sorghum seeds was carried out in relation to the conditions of the Samara region and the most effective preparations for pre-sowing treatment of grain sorghum were determined to reduce the damage to plants by diseases.