Bio Efficacy of Fungicides against the Wheat Head Blight Causing Fungus, Fusarium graminearum

Background: Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a significant threat to global wheat production. It results in extensive yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. This study aims to evaluate various fungicides in vitro to determine their effectiveness in controlling FHB. Through a comprehensive analysis of the fungicides’ in vitro efficacy against F. graminearum, this research endeavours to establish a connection between laboratory observations and real-world field applications. Methods: The current investigation was conducted in the Plant Pathology laboratory of CSKHPKV, Palampur, during 2021-2022, wherein, nine fungicides viz., trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% (Nativo 75WG), carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP (SAAF), difenoconazole 25 EC (Score), carbendazim 50 WP (Bavistin), Propiconazole 25 EC (Tilt), tebuconazole 250 EC (Folicur), mancozeb 75WP (Indofil), copper oxychloride 50 WP (Blitox) and carboxin 37.5% +thiram 37.5% WS (Vitavax power) were evaluated at different concentrations against F. graminearum. In the in vitro assay, F. graminearum was subjected to varying concentrations of fungicides, ranging from low to high, to determine their inhibitory effects on the growth of mycelia, which are thread-like structures that form the vegetative part of fungi. The assay involved carefully monitoring the development of F. graminearum under different conditions to obtain accurate results. Result: The study’s results revealed that carbendazim 50 WP, trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% WG, and tebuconazole 250 EC at concentrations of 100 ppm or higher were the most effective in inhibiting the growth of mycelium. The varying degrees of effectiveness among the fungicides tested indicate that F. graminearum responds differently to various chemical treatments. The findings from this in vitro evaluation will provide valuable data for the ongoing efforts to develop effective and sustainable fungicide-based strategies to combat Fusarium head blight in wheat crops.