Evidences for growth-promoting and fungicidal effects of low doses of tricyclazole in barley

Abstract

The effect of increasing concentrations (5–100 mg L−1) of tricyclazole (TCZ), an important fungicide commonly used for control of spot blotch disease, was investigated for changes in physiological and biochemical parameters in 10 and 20-days-old barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. RD-2508). A 10 mg L−1 dose of TCZ supplemented with nutrient solution in barley plants reflected a lowered infection with a significant increase in plant growth, plant biomass, leaf chlorophyll level, altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and altered activity of key antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC: 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC: 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC: 1.11.1.1) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX, EC: 1.11.1.7). To our knowledge this is the first report that provides evidence for TCZ to act both as a fungicide as well as to have plant growth-promoting activity. The study suggests that this dual property of tricyclazole has a potential for integration in disease management programs in barley. Application of low doses of TCZ can fit in well with environment friendly strategies for sustainable barley crop production, more yield and minimal soil contamination.