Title:
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The integrated control of Fusarium ear blight
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Fusarium ear blight (FEB), caused by several Fusarium species is a worldwide
disease of wheat and other small grain cereals. This disease can greatly reduce
grain yield and is of concern because of the potential accumulation of mycotoxins
in the grain intended for human and animal consumption. Control of the disease
with fungicides is variable. Inconsistency of fungicide control has been linked to
the difficulty of timing treatment application.
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Microencapsulation of fungicide may provide a way to overcome this problem.
Microencapsulated formulations were therefore assessed under controlled
conditions and in a field trial. Results obtained in the growth room were promising.
Work on formulation showed that the addition of the sticker Bond substantially
improves the level of control of the formulation. However, under field conditions,
the microencapsulated fungicide did not give any control. In vitro work showed
the release of tebuconazole from the yeast capsules is by diffusion rather than by
cell fracture.
Screening of bacteripl isolates for the biological control of FEB also showed
potential under controlled conditions but results obtained in growth room trials did
not transfer to the field.
Work undertaken to develop an integrated strategy for the control of FEB was
unsuccessful. Compatibility problems between the formulated biological agent
Botokiller and the microencapsulated formulation Micap 21.7% were observed
and when applied in a dual application strategy, they did not improve FEB control
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compared to the fungicide used alone. The use of a moderately resistant cultivar
did not improve the level of control of fungicides in terms of visual symptoms and
yield. However, DON contamination was markedly reduced by the application of
Micap 21.7% and Folicur on the moderately resistant cv. Centrum.
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