DETERMINATION OF SELECTIVE ACTION OF FUNGICIDES ON THE MICROFLORA OF BARLEY SEED

Abstract

The effects of 47 seed treatment fungicides on the microflora of barley seed that was naturally infested 95–100% with Cochliobolus sativus and other fungi were investigated after 7 days on moist filter paper. Each fungicide had a characteristic and reproducible effect on these organisms. Fungicides containing mercury or maneb were highly effective against all organisms, whereas specific effects were associated with other fungicides. Least survival (best control) of C. sativus was obtained with Ceresan M, Pandrinox APX and Panogen PX among the mercurials, and Green Cross SWF 850 and SWF 860, Chemagro 4497 and Chipman 53-64 among the non-mercurials. The incidence of Acremoniella sp. detected was high on seed treated with Dexon, Cephalosporium sp. with Vitavax, Streptomyces spp. with Green Cross SWF 850, and Cladosporium spp. with Green Cross 3922. It is suggested that the data obtained by the filter paper method should be complementary to those obtained from treated seed after 7 days in soil.