Plant Diseases

Abstract

Field experiments conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 1972–73 and 1973–74 showed that post-emergence application of oxadiazon at 1 kg a.i./ha in transplanted onion gave remarkable weed control and maximum crop yield. Other treatments which performed well include pre-planting alachlor at 2.5 kg a.i./ha plus post-emergence propanil at 1.8 kg a.i./ha and also pre-planting nitrofen at 1.25 kg a.i./ha plus post-emergence nitrofen at 1.25 kg a.i./ha. Herbicides did not significantly influence the bulb quality, soil microflora or the emergence and yield of following crops of okra, bitter gourd and radish.     

Chemical Control of Phalaris minor and Avena ludoviciana in Wheat

Abstract

In field experiments conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 1973–74 and 1974–75, pre-emergence application (one day after sowing) of methabenzthiazuron (1.05 kg a.i./ha), metoxuron (1.6 kg a.i./ha) and chlortoluron (0.75 kg a.i./ha) gave effective control of Phalaris minor and Avena ludoviciana in wheat without any phytotoxic effect on the crop. Methabenzthiazuron, metoxuron and chlortoluron gave 1410, 1420 and 1090 kg/ha, respectively, more grain than the unweeded crop and 590, 600 and 270 kg/ha more than the crop hand-weeded twice. Nitrofen (1.25 kg a.i./ha) applied pre-emergence was effective against P. minor only and gave substantial increase in grain yield. Terbutryne, dichlormate and linuron, while effective against P. minor, also had a phytotoxic effect on the crop.     

Sodium 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropionate,a New Herbicide for Jute Field Weeds

Abstract

Sodium 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropionate (TFP) was tested as pre-planting and post-emergence applications on jute heavily infested with grasses and sedges. The herbicide was applied by two methods, at several rates and at different times before sowing. As a post-emergence application it was sprayed over a three week old crop. The best results were obtained when the herbicide was incorporated into the soil ten days before sowing at 3–4 kg a.i./ha. This practice controlled all grasses and sedges except nutsedge, which was only reduced by 30–40%, although higher rates gave better control. No phytotoxic effects on jute were observed with this rate and method of application.     

Effects of phorate placement on carrot fly control,seedling density and terminal residues in the crop

The application of granules containing 10 % phorate at 1.12,2.24 or 4.48 kg a.i./ha in a narrow slit together with carrot seed significantly reduced seedling emergence in both a mineral and peat soil. When the granules were applied at 2.24 or 4.48 kg a.i./ha in a narrow slit 2.5 cm below the seed, seedling emergence was adversely affected only at the higher rate in the mineral soil. Phorate granules applied with the seed in the peat soil gave a significantly lower plant density than when applied below the seed, but subsequent carrot yields were unaffected because much larger roots were produced. All phorate treatments gave effective reduction of carrot fly larval damage to the roots. On the peat soil, there were significant increases in total phorate residues present in mature carrots with increasing rate of phorate granules placed with the seed. Placement of the granules 2.5 cm below the seed resulted in a 50% reduction in total residues of phorate in whole carrots compared with placing the granules with the seed. Residues resulting from 1.12 kg a.i./ha with the seed or 2.24 kg a.i./ha 2.5 cm below the seed were not significantly greater than residues in untreated carrots.     

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Oryctes rhinoceros (L)[Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae]

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during two dry seasons in northern Nigeria to identify suitable pre‐transplant herbicides for weed control in irrigated tomatoes. At Samaru in the northern Guinea savanna, diphenamid at 1.5 kg a.i./ha followed by supplementary hoe‐weeding, metribuzin at 0.5 kg a.i./ha, diphenamid at 3.0 kg a.i./ha, metolachlor plus metobromuron at 1.0 + 1.0 kg a.i./ha and two or three hoe‐weedings, resulted in higher tomato yields than the untreated controls, and most of these treatments reduced weed infestations significantly in both years. At Bakura, in the Sudan savanna zone, metribuzin at 0.25 and 0.5 kg a.i./ha, diphenamid at 3.0 g a.i./ha and chloramben at 1.5 kg a.i./ha plus supplementary weeding consistently resulted in yields that were similar to two hoe‐weedings and higher than the untreated controls. Three kg a.i./ha of chloramben depressed yields in all the trials. At both sites hoe‐weeding once six weeks after transplanting gave unacceptably low crop yields, but similar high yields were obtained with two or three hoe‐weedings. Supplementary hoe‐weedings were unnecessary with the application of metribuzin at 0.5 kg and metolachlor plus metobromuron at 1.0 + 1.0 kg a.i./ha. Uncontrolled weed growth resulted in a 53–67% reduction in tomato fruit yield.     

Herbicide Performance in Rainfed Cabbage

Abstract

The effectiveness of butralin (2.0 and 4.0 kg a.i./ha pre-plant, 2.0 and 4.0 kg a.i./ha pre-em), chlorthal-dimethyl (10.0 and 12.0 kg a.i./ha pre-em), trifluralin (0.6 and 1.1 kg a.i./ha pre-plant) chloramben (2.0 kg a.i./ha pre-em) and nitrofen (2.0 kg a.i./ha pre-em) in controlling weeds in transplanted ‘Kono Cross’ cabbage and the influence of these treatments on the yield and quality of marketable heads and on the economics of weed control were evaluated in three replicated field experiments on River Estate loam soil in Trinidad during the wet seasons of 1976 and 1977. While herbicides did not affect the size of the cabbage plant population or the date to maturity of the crops, they reduced the cost of weed control by over 30% and increased the net returns relative to the clean-weeded control by over 9%. Butralin at 4.0 kg a.i./ha pre-plant and pre-em and the trifluralin treatments were superior to nitrofen which gave good weed control up to five weeks and higher yields than the clean-weeded control. Chlorthal-dimethyl gave encouraging results but caused slight, temporary stunting. The application of one of these treatments followed by one hand weeding at about four weeks should give full-season weed control and an acceptable yield of marketable heads with increased financial returns. Chloramben was the least effective herbicide tested and its use may not be justified under similar conditions to those of this study.     

The Institute of Phytopathological Research

Abstract

Further work with the herbicide C 19490 (S-(2-methyl-1-piperidyl-carbonylmethyl)-O,O-di-N-propyl dithiophosphate) in the mixture C 288 with the triazine C 18898 in the ratio 4:1, and with 2,4-D isopropyl ester (2,4-D IPE) in the ratios 2:1 and 3:2 have been completed. New toxicological data show that the risk of toxicity hazards to the user or to other mammals by contamination is low. Residue work shows that C 19490 leaves very low or undetectable residues in rice grain and soil, though C 18898 was detected in both, but never at more than 0.28 ppm in soil or more than 0.04 ppm in grain. There was no interaction between either C 19490 or C 288 and commonly used insecticides. Uptake of the products by plants was shown to be preferentially through emerging shoots, and less through roots.

Field trials resulted in recommendations for around 2 kg C 288 total a.i./ha in Japan, optimum timing depending on the prevailing temperature. Successful control was achieved in Taiwan with C 288 at 1 kg a.i./ha in both the cool and warm season crops, applied 7–12 days after transplanting. In equatorial Asia, mixtures worked well: C 288 at 0.75–1.25 kg a.i./ha, C 19490 at 0.75–1.0 + 2,4-D IPE at 0.5 kg a.i./ha and the 3:2 mixture at 0.75 + 0.5 kg a.i./ha (granular), applied four DAT on dense weed stands, but up to ten DAT on stands comprising predominantly moderate infestations of Echinochloa crusgalli, Monochoria vaginalis and annual Cyperus spp. These recommendations resulted in yields which were never significantly different from those of hand-weeded areas. On light, permeable soils, e.g. in Pakistan, C 288 at 1.0–1.25 kg a.i./ha, 8–10 DAT was less harmful to the crop than lower rates applied earlier, and was better than the 2,4-D IPE mixture for weed control. In Egypt, C 19490 + 2,4-D IPE at only 0.375 + 0.25 kg a.i./ha was successful, because of the susceptible weed flora.     

Efficiency of Paraquat as a Weed Control Chemical for Rubber Nurseries

Abstract

Three rates of the post-emergent herbicide paraquat, 0.7, 0.35 and 0.175 kga.i./ha in 560 //ha were applied to weeds between rows of rubber seedlings. At each rate of paraquat, spray drift caused some defoliation of the seedlings but this was considerably higher at 0.7 kg a.i./ha than at the two lower rates. Death of individual seedlings was negligible at 0.175 kg a.i./ha. Weed control increased with dosage, but 0.175 kg a.i./ha gave acceptable control, which was also completely safe to budgrafts. At this rate, bud development was not affected and growth was comparable to the hand-weeded control.     

A World-Wide Organization to Promote the Development of Biological Control

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of metribuzin in tea fields. These were a field trial in plots infested with a wide range of weeds, a pot experiment using Paspalum conjugatum and a microplot experiment with 100 Ageratum conyzoides plants/plot. Metribuzin at 0.70, 1.05, 1.40 and 2.10 kg a.i./ha was applied in 450 l water/ha. All rates were satisfactory after 1 week but residual activity increased with application rate; metribuzin at 2.10 kg a.i./ha was significantly superior after 6 weeks. Control after 8 weeks was reduced due to the presence of resistant species. Against Paspalum conjugatum metribuzin at 1.40 kg/ha gave good control for 8 weeks but 2.10 kg/ha was necessary for 12 weeks control. All rates compared favourably with dalapon (4.48 kg a.i./ha). Against Ageratum conyzoides metribuzin at all rates gave good control for up to 12 weeks and significantly better than 2, 4-D at 1.12 kg a.i./ha. Most other grass and broadleaved weeds were satisfactorily controlled at 1.40 kg a.i./ha. Metribuzin with its marked post-emergent effect and prolonged soil residual activity from 6-12 weeks after application, depending on weed species, may become an important tool in pre-monsoon weed control programmes in tea fields. It did not induce any phytotoxic symptoms on mature tea.     

Effect of intervals between application and tillage on glyphosate control of Cyperus rotundus L.*

Research conducted in El Salvador, Central America, demonstrated that an interval of 3 days between application of glyphosate and tillage was sufficient to cause 90% reduction in purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) plants, while delays of 11–23 days generally gave slightly less reduction. à second application to the same plots 35 days following tillage resulted in more than 90% reduction with all intervals. Approximately 3 months after the initial treatment, tuber numbers had been reduced to half the original population. Germination of the remaining tubers was reduced by more than 50%. Glyphosate applied during the dry season caused an average of 79% reduction in plant numbers compared with 88% in the rainy season. However, in the dry season, the remaining plants had no competition from other weeds and after 5 months there was only à 40% reduction in nutsedge population. During the rainy season, 1, 2 and 3 kg/ha were equally effective, but 1 kg/ha was not sufficient in the dry season.     

Insect Pests of Cotton – Western Herbaceum Region of India

Abstract

Pre-plant and pre-emergence herbicides were tested for effective weed control in a seed crop of okra during 1974–75 and 1975–76. All treatments significantly decreased the weed population and increased the seed yield as compared to the unweeded control. Fluchloralin (0.90 and 1.20 kg a.i./ha pre-plant), alachlor (2.50 kg a.i./ha pre-em) and EPTC plus alachlor (3.75 kg a.i./ha pre-plant and 1.25 kg a.i./ha pre-em) proved to be the most effective and economical treatments. No residual effects were observed with any herbicide on the succeeding crops of radish, carrot, turnips, peas and spinach.     

Possible Methods for Controlling Ischaemum afrum (J. F. Gamel) Dandy,in Fallow

Abstract

Different mechanical cultivations and herbicide treatments were compared for controlling Ischaemum afrum in a heavily infested fallow area. Of the mechanical cultivations, disc ploughing to a depth of more than 15 cm, following removal of tufts and watering, was found very effective (83% reduction). Incorporated pre-emergence triluralin (1.90 kg a.i./ha) alone or in tank mixtures with oxadiazon (0.95 + 0.95 kg a.i./ha) was also found promising (79 and 76% reduction respectively). Three applications of dalapon (8.09 kg a.i./ha), as post-emergence, at two weekly intervals or two applications followed by another application at 4.05 kg a.i./ha gave almost complete eradication of Ischaemum afrum seedlings for about 12 weeks (99% reduction).     

Dissipation of quinalphos (O,O, diethyl O‐quinaxalin‐2yl phosphorothioate) residues in and/or on cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. Botrytis)

Abstract

A field trial was conducted to study the magnitude of quinalphos residues in and/or cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var Botrytis. The cauliflower crop was sprayed once with quinalphos 25 e.c. at 0.25 and 0.5 kg a.i./ha 104 days after transplanting. The samples of cauliflower drawn at different time intervals were analysed colorimetrically. The initial deposits of quinalphos on cauliflower were found to be 5.79 and 9.52 ppm, an the half life values 1.61 and 2.12 days, respectively, at 0.25 and 0.5 kg a.i./ha. The waiting periods determined were 11 days at the higher and 7 days at the lower dose of quinalphos.     

Studies on very-low volume (VLV) water-based sprays for the control of cotton pests

We evaluated, water-based very-low volume (VLV) sprays of various pyrethroids at different dosage levels, comparing these with ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays for the control of cotton pests in the Nampula province of Mozambique. The results showed that karate (lambda-cyhalothrin) 2.5% SG at a dosage level of 15 g a.i./ha applied as VLV gave a significantly higher yield than karate 0.8% ULV (28 g a.i./ha). Also, karate 3.75% WG (12 and 15 g a.i./ha) gave a similar yield to that of karate 0.8% ULV (28 g a.i./ha). Karate 5% EC (15 and 20 g a.i./ha) gave a yield similar to Karate 0.8% ULV (28 g a.i./ha). Baythroid (cyfluthrin) 5% EC at 15, 22.5 and 30 g a.i./ha gave a yield similar to baythroid 1.2% ULV (36 g a.i./ha). Bulldock (beta-cyfluthrin) 12.5% SC at dosage levels of 6, 9 and 12 g a.i./ha gave a similar yield to that using baythroid 1.2% ULV (36 g a.i./ha). In all four trials, water-based VLV sprays gave a yield of cotton and degree of pest-control similar to those obtained with the ULV formulations at comparatively lower dosage levels. Integrated with other pest management practices, these could play an important role in the cost effective management of insect pests of cotton on small-scale farms in many countries.     

Insecticide resistance management of permethrin and acephate against the cowpea curculio,Chalcodermus aeneus Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a pest of the southern pea,Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

To evaluate strategies for management of potential resistance of the cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus Boheman, to sprayer‐applied permethrin and acephate, five management regimes were evaluated on early, midseason and late sequential plantings of southern peas, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. during 1991–1993. Management regimes were: (1) consecutive permethrin (0.11 kg a.i./ha early‐midseason‐late); (2) consecutive acephate (1.1 kg a.i.ha early‐midseason‐late); (3) consecutive mixture (0.055kg a.i./ha permethrin and 0.55kg a.i./ha acephate early‐midseason‐late); (4) alternation (0.11 kg a.i./ha permethrin early and 1.1 kg a.i./ha acephate midseason and late plantings); and (5) an untreated check early, midseason and late. The effect of management regime on the toxicities (LC₅₀) of permethrin and acephate was determined by topical application to next generation adult cowpea curculios reared from infested southern pea pods harvested from untreated plants in the management fields. In the field, infestation varied more by planting date than by management regime. Toxicity of permethrin to adults selected in the consecutive mixture regime was significantly lower in 1991 and 1992 late season and in 1993 midseason than in early season for the respective years. There was a seasonal decrease in the laboratory toxicity of acephate to adults with all management regimes.     

Studies on the control of groundkeeper potatoes with the soil-applied herbicides chlorpropham,propyzamide and trifluralin

Chlorpropham, propyzamide and trifluralin were assessed in several trials, to test their potential for the control of groundkeeper potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). Chlorpropham was insufficiently active, but trifluralin and propyzamide at doses of 4 kg a.i./ha, or more, reduced and delayed the emergence of potato plants in the summer, after autumn/winter or spring applications. The highest dose (12 kg a.i./ha) prevented many tubers producing plants. Greatest activity was attained when the herbicides completely surrounded the tubers when active growth started in the spring. However, both residue and crop tolerance data indicated that the doses of trifluralin and propyzamide required to control the potatoes were so high that appreciable residues remained in the following summer. These damaged vegetable crops drilled in April and May, and affected cereals planted 12 months after application. Thus there is insufficient margin of selectivity between the doses required to control the potatoes and those tolerated by subsequent crops.     

Efficacy of malathion seed treatments for chironomid control in aerially‐sown rice crops

Abstract

Malathion seed treatments were evaluated as a means of protecting aerially‐sown rice from attack by Chironomus tepperi Skuse and other chironomids in New South Wales, Australia. Four treatments were examined: malathion applied to seed at 150, 300, and 450 ga.i/ha, and malathion applied directly to water at 300 ga.i./ha. Chironominae were significantly suppressed for 10 days by all treatments, but populations were often significantly above control levels at 20 and 25 days post‐treatment. None of the treatments significantly reduced other chironomids(predominantly Tanypodinae) at any stage of the trial. Emergence trap data from control and water treatment bays showed that there was, in practical terms, only a single generation of C. tepperi during crop establishment, and that malathion applied directly to water at 300 ga.i./ha almost completely eliminated adult emergence in this species. Bioassays of field‐collected water samples showed that malathion dissipates readily from seed into the water column. Toxicity profiles over time for the 150 and 300 g a.i./ha seed treatments were statistically similar to that for the 300 ga.i./ha water treatment. Although the 450 ga.i./ha seed treatment provided slightly longer residual toxicity, control was not enhanced sufficiently to justify an increase in the existing application rate of 300 ga.i./ha.     

Efficiency of Different Herbicides for Weed Control in Peas

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for two years during 1977–78 and 1978–79 to evaluate the efficiency of methabenzthiazuron, terbutryn and metoxuron in controlling weeds in peas (Pisum sativum) at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Pre-emergence application of methabenzthiazuron at 1.05 and 1.40 kg a.i./ha gave efficient weed control and gave comparable yields to two hand hoeings. Post-emergence application of methabenzthiazuron proved inferior. Terbutryn pre-emergence showed promise but as a post-emergence application it was ineffective. Metoxuron both pre- and post-emergence showed phytotoxic effects on the crop.     

Chemical weed control in rainfed upland rice in Nigeria

Abstract

Two field experiments on chemical weed control in Faro 41 upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety were conducted at a rainforest site near the National Cereals Research Institute, Amakama Substation in 1989 and 1990. The herbicides tested were a coformulated mixture of pretilachlor and dimethametryne at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg a.i./ha, a co‐formulated mixture of piperophos and propanil applied at 3.16 and 3.95 kg a.i./ha, and Oxadiazon at 1.0 kg a.i./ha. Two hand weedings and a ‘no weeding’ treatment were included. The herbicides were applied 5 days after planting. All were safely selective to the crop. Most provided adequate weed control through 8–12 weeks after planting. Weeds controlled included Cynodon dactylon, Commelina benghalensis, Dlgitaria horizontalis, Eleusine indica, Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum as grass weeds. The broadleaf weeds were Emilia sonchifolia, Ageratum conyzoides, Portulaca oleraceae, Richardia brasiliensis and Ipomoea Involuncrata. The sedges Mariscus alternifolius and Cyperus esculentus were encountered in the plots. Pretilachlordimethametryne at 2.5 kg a.i./ha had the best weeding score. Twoyear average grain yields of 1.7–2.6 t/ha were obtained from the herbicide treatments. With only 0.4 t/ha from the unweeded treatment, yield losses of more than 80% were recorded.     

Influence of site factors on yield response of winter wheat to fungicide programmes in England and Wales, 1979–1987

Results of 460 field experiments between 1979 and 1987 incorporating one, two and three fungicide sprays, with a range of active ingredients, were analysed according to site factors including previous crop, sowing date and geographical area. The average untreated yield was 7–48 t/ha, although this fluctuated widely from 6 15 t/ha in 1985 to 9 411 ha in 1984. A single spray at flag-leaf emergence gave an average yield increment of 0 59 t/ha over plots receiving no fungicide. The addition of a second spray at the first-node growth stage gave an extra benefit of 0.22 t/ha, while an additional third spray at ear emergence gave a further 0.28t/ha. The effects on yield of different spray timings were modified by other factors, of which sowing date and previous crop were most important to the first-node spray, and cultivar and geographical area to the ear emergence spray. The data suggest that all crops would benefit economically from a broad-spectrum fungicide applied at flag-leaf emergence. Additionally, crops sown in September, those following winter wheat and those in regions bordering the North Sea respond well at the first-node stage to a fungicide active against eyespot.