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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #75587
Title: EFFECTS OF BENOMYL TREATMENTS ON MARIGOLD AND INDIGENOUS RHIZOSPHERE BACTERIA

Author
item BERGFIELD, W - LINCOLN UNIV
item SASSEVILLE, DAVID - LINCOLN UNIV
item Kremer, Robert

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/4/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The fungicide benomyl has been implicated in damage to several crops grown under warm, moist conditions. Although the target pathogen may be controlled, population shifts in rhizosphere bacteria have been documented after several benomyl applications. The effects of benomyl applied at recommended rates on marigold (Tagetes patula) and rhizosphere bacteria were investigated. Repeated application of benomyl significantly reduced marigold root and shoot mass 44 and 67%, respectively, relative to nontreated controls. Repeated foliar applications resulted in necroses on marigold leaves. Rhizosphere bacterial populations differed between treatments with drench applications of benomyl resulting in higher numbers than foliar applications. These results suggest that application of benomyl may cause non-target effects leading to reduced yields and/or quality.