The effect of soil tillage and herbicide treatments on the incidence of Fusarium fungi genus in the grain of rye

Abstract

The reduced tillage in cereals contributes to intensive weed growth and thus encourages better conditions for the development of Fusarium fungi. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different tillage systems and herbicide applications, on the grain infestation by Fusarium spp., in two rye cultivars. The cultivar factor significantly affected the infestation of the grain by F. avenaceum and F. culmorum. Cv. Dańkowskie Złote was more susceptible to the infection by Fusarium spp. than cv. Picasso. The reduced tillage encouraged higher grain infestation than the conventional one, irrespectively of the cultivar. Chlorsulfuron, applied in autumn, contributed to a greater grain infestation by F. avenaceum and F. culmorum. In cv. Picasso, the grain infection by Fusarium spp. was equally well prevented by the autumn or spring application of iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron. All Fusarium species responded differently to variable environment conditions mediated by cultivar, tillage system and herbicide. Fusarium avenaceum infected most intensively cv. Dańkowskie Złote, grown in the reduced tillage system and protected by chlorsulfuron applied in autumn.