Frequency distribution of sensitivity of Ustilaginoidea virens to four EBI fungicides, prochloraz, difenoconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole, and their efficacy in controlling rice false smut in Anhui Province of China

Abstract

False smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, is an important emerging disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in China. Up to now, as most varieties with high yielding and good quality are susceptible or even highly susceptible to false smut in most rice-growing ecological regions, especially in Anhui Province, chemical control with fungicides would be an important measure for the control of this disease. The ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor (EBI) fungicides, such as prochloraz, difenoconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole, are extensively used in China for the control of rice diseases, such as rice sheath blight and rice blast. In this study, a total of 102 U. virens isolates (from Anhui Province of China) were tested for their sensitivity to these four EBI fungicides during the stage of mycelial growth. The EC50 ranges of values for prochloraz, difenoconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole inhibiting mycelial growth of the 102 U. virens isolates were 0.04–0.75, 0.04–1.08, 0.04–0.38 and 0.03–0.57 μg ml−1, with the average EC50 values of 0.32 ± 0.08, 0.45 ± 0.08, 0.19 ± 0.03 and 0.21 ± 0.06 μg ml−1, respectively. These values suggested that the tested U. virens isolates were very sensitive to these four EBI fungicides. Results of field trials showed that two sprays of three of the fungicides exhibited greater control efficacy than a single spray for the control of rice false smut. Two sprays of each was better than a single spray for the control of rice sheath blight. Two sprays of 50% propiconazole EC at 300 g a.i. ha−1 gave the best control of rice false smut at both two sites during the two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011, with the control efficacy ranging from 71.5 to 74.3%. Sensitivity of the field U. virens isolates to EBI fungicides should be monitored. Mixtures, as well as alternation with other fungicides with different modes of action, should be tested.