Fungicide evaluation against rice false smut (RFS) incited by Ustilaginoidea virens and its impact on yield
摘要
Present study evaluated the efficacy of different fungicides against rice false smut (RFS) disease. Among the nine fungicides tested, foliar application of azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% SC @ 1 ml/lit demonstrated the highest efficacy in controlling RFS and improving grain yield. However, its performance was statistically at par with foliar application of propiconazole 25% EC @ 1 ml/lit. Economic analysis indicated that propiconazole 25% EC @ 1 ml/lit was the most economical treatment, providing the highest incremental net benefit ratio of 15.11:1.00, while, foliar application of azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% SC with 9.97:1.00 incremental net benefit cost ration, was found to be next most economical treatment. However, considering the overall efficacy, economic factors, the disease’s irregular occurrence and weather dependency and the need to mitigate the risk of development of resistance in pathogen population against propiconazole fungicide with single-mode-of-action, foliar application of azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% SC @ 1 ml/lit may be recommended as the optimal strategy for managing false smut disease and minimizing yield loss in rice.