INFLUENCE OF ROW WIDTH AND MANEB FUNGICIDE TREATMENT ON DISEASE DEVELOPMENT AND GRAIN YIELDS OF CEREALS

Abstract

Growing cereals in rows spaced 35.6 and 53.3 cm apart resulted in significantly reduced seed yields of approximately 30% and no improvement in lodging resistance compared with rows spaced 17.8 cm apart. However, the application of maneb fungicide to the foliage on a regular basis significantly increased seed yields of oats (Avena sativa L.) and considerably increased those of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), when compared with unsprayed plants at the same row width. Spraying with maneb increased seed yields of the three cereals by 18, 40, and 30% at row spacings of 17.8, 35.6, and 53.3 cm, respectively, but maximum yields were obtained at the 17.8-cm row spacing. The maneb fungicide controlled most diseases, eliminated lodging, and greatly improved straw and seed quality.