Effect of seed damage and metalaxyl seed treatment on pythium seedling blight and seed yield of field pea

Abstract

When cool, wet conditions persist after planting, Pythium spp. can be an important constraint to stand establishment in field pea. Laboratory studies and field trials were conducted over 3 yr to assess the impact and evaluate the interactions of Pythium spp., metalaxyl seed treatment and damage to seed on seedling establishment, root rot severity and seed yield of field pea. Seedling emergence, seedling size, and seed yield were reduced by inoculation with Pythium spp. and by mechanical damage to the seed. Fungicide seed treatment reduced the impact of seed damage, but did not always restore seedling emergence and seed yield to the same level as from undamaged seed. Undamaged seed treated with metalaxyl was not affected by inoculation with Pythium spp. Differences among cultivars, although often significant, were small relative to the effect of seed injury. Laboratory studies showed a negative linear relationship between inoculum concentration and emergence from untreated seed. They also showed that Pythium spp. had a similar impact on seedling emergence in cool (20/10°C day/night) and cold (12/6°C) soils. This study showed that planting fungicide-treated, high-quality field seed was an effective means of maximizing emergence and stand establishment for commercial field pea production. Key words: Pisum sativum, seed vigour, metalaxyl, Pythium, seed damage