Effect of fungicides on the control of head smut of maize, and the relationship between infection level and crop yield

Abstract

In a smut-infected maize crop, percentage loss in crop yield is equal to the percentage of smutted plants. Captan, the fungicide most commonly used for dressing maize seed in New Zealand, was not effective in controlling smut. Seed dressings combining captan with benomyl, carboxin, or the experimental fungicide BAS 3192F gave the greatest degree of control. Soil applications of fungicides were less effective than the combination seed dressings. The use of an appropriate seed dressing for all seed produced in the Gisborne area is recommended. © 1974 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.