Effects of foliar fungicides on kernel black point of wheat in southern Saskatchewan

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of fungicides on the incidence of black point in wheat (Triticum spp.) in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Experiment 1 was conducted at Swift Current and Indian Head for 3 years. Folicur 3.6F (tebuconazole) and Bravo 500 (chlorothalonil) were applied at different growth stages from stem elongation to head emergence. Three spring common wheat (Triticum aestivum) and three durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) genotypes were used in this study. Experiment 2 was conducted at Indian Head for 3 years. Folicur 3.6F was applied from stem elongation to early milk stage for a durum cultivar. The incidence of black point was very low at Swift Current. Severe black point incidence occurred at Indian Head in 1999, which could be related to low temperature and high rainfall during the grain filling stage. Durum wheat cultivars had higher black point incidence than the common wheat cultivars. Fungicide applications from stem elongation to flag emergence could increase black point infection and it was, in many cases, associated with an increase in kernel mass. Fungicide applications at or after head emergence could reduce the incidence of black point, although this was not consistent.