Management strategies to reduce losses caused by fusarium seedling blight of field pea

Abstract

Fusarium seedling blight can cause substantial reductions in the stand density of field pea in western Canada. In greenhouse experiments, emergence decreased and root rot severity rose with increasing inoculum density. In field trials in 2007 and 2008 near Edmonton, AB, seeding at different depths and seeding dates did not consistently affect emergence or yield in Fusarium- infested soils. In field experiments, emergence declined significantly with each increase in inoculum level. Also, seed yield were reduced at high levels of disease pressure. Treatment of seed with Apron Maxx improved emergence, nodulation and yield of treatments challenged with inoculum of F. avenaceum in both greenhouse and field experiments. This research demonstrates the need to prevent seedling blight and root rot through proper seed treatment.