Impairment of reproductive health in women occupationally exposed to thiram

Abstract

In two years a range of fungicides was used to control rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae) on spring-sown field beans (Vicia faba). In 1984 fenpropimorph, maneb, mancozeb, maneb plus mancozeb, propiconazole, thiram, triadimefon and zineb-polyethylene thiuram disulphide plus tridemorph were applied once or twice and compared with no fungicide. In 1985 the experiment was repeated with the addition of benodanil. In 1984 there was very little rust or other foliar disease and the effects of treatments on yield were small. In 1985 rust was first found in late June and became severe on untreated plots in August. All the fungicides reduced the incidence of rust but the amount of control differed with frequency of application and on different dates of disease assessment. In 1985 chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae) also became severe in late August. All the fungicides reduced chocolate spot but maneb plus mancozeb was the most effective. In 1985 yields were increased from 5 · 6 to 7 · 7 t/ha by maneb plus mancozeb applied once. Other fungicides gave smaller yield increases. Yield increases given were attributable mainly to control of rust but partly to control of chocolate spot. Yield increases given by non-systemic fungicides came mainly from increases in the weight of individual grains; those yield increases given by systemic materials came, in addition, from better pod retention.