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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #388875
Research Project: Improving Genetic Resources and Disease Management for Cool Season Food Legumes

Location: Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research

Title: Evaluation of fungicides in seed treatmnent for control of chickpea damping-off caused by metalaxyl-resistant Pythium spp. 2020

Author
item Chen, Weidong
item Vandemark, George
item McGee, Rebecca

Submitted to: Plant Disease Management Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/28/2021
Publication Date: 8/16/2021
Citation: Chen, W., Vandemark, G.J., Mcgee, R.J. 2021. Evaluation of fungicides in seed treatmnent for control of chickpea damping-off caused by metalaxyl-resistant Pythium spp. 2020. Plant Disease Management Reports. 15:CF219.

Interpretive Summary: Large seeded chickpeas are very vulnerable to seed rot and damping-off caused by Pythium spp. Although metalaxyl fungicide has been used successfully in seed treatment in managing the disease, it has become ineffective due to development of metalaxyl resistance in Pythium, especially for large-seeded chickpeas in the inland Pacific Northwest. In previous studies, we found that ethabaxom, alone or in combination with metalaxyl, as seed treatments was effective at protecting chickpea from seed rot and damping-off caused by metalaxyl-resistant Pythium. In 2020, we evaluated additional fungicides as seed treatments. This field trial showed that picarbutrozon, Zoxium 240 SC and Reason 500 SC, as well as ethaboxam, were effective against metalaxyl-resistant Pythium. The new seed treatment options could be used as alternatives in managing metalaxyl-resistant Pythium.

Technical Abstract: Pythium spp. resistant to metalaxyl have emerged as a serious constraint in chickpea production, especially for large-seeded chickpeas in the inland Pacific Northwest. Recent studies showed that ethaboxam (Intego Solo) was effective in protecting chickpea seeds from seed rot and damping-off caused by metalaxyl-resistant Pythium. This trial was carried out to identify additional seed treatment fungicides effective against metalaxyl-resistant Pythium. Severe seed rot and pre-emergence damping-off occurred during this trial due to irrigation right after planting. Essentially no seeds emerged in the check treatment plots. Due to the presence of metalaxyl-resistant Pythium, virturally no seeds emerged in plots with metalaxyl alone. Picarbutrazon at three different rates improved germination, and no signifcant differences were observed among the three rates. Additionally, Zoxium 240 SC and Reason 500 SC (at 1.5 fl.oz./cwt) provided effective control. In summary, picarbutrozon, Zoxium 240 SC and Reason 500 SC, as well as ethaboxam, were effective against metalaxyl-resistant Pythium. These fungicides provide growers with several options to successfully manage both plant disease and the development of fungicide resistance in the pathogen.