The efficiency of Brazilian oat cultivars in reducing fungicide use for greater environmental quality and food safety

Abstract

Oat cultivars more efficient at reducing fungicide can prevent contamination of soil, water and food. The objective of the study is to measure the efficiency of oat cultivars recommended for growing in Brazil by reducing the number of fungicide applications, considering favorable and unfavorable crop season conditions for productivity and progress of the main leaf diseases. The study was conducted in 2015, 2016 and 2017, in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with three replications in a 22 x 4 factorial scheme, for 22 oat cultivars and 4 conditions of fungicide use [without application; an application at 60 days after emergence; two applications at 60 and 75 days after emergence; and three applications at 60, 75 and 90 days after emergence]. The fungicide FOLICUR® CE was used in 2015 and 2016 and the fungicide PRIMO® in 2017 in the dosage of 0.75 and 0.3 liters ha-1, respectively. The plots were sprayed using BD 04 fan nozzle with 45 PSI pressure, and spray volume close to 120 liters ha-1. The condition of a crop season favorable to the progress of leaf diseases identifies with quality cultivars more efficient in reducing the use of fungicide, enabling processes with lower environmental impacts with food security. Under favorable agricultural year conditions and unfavorable to the productivity and progress of the main leaf diseases of oats, the most efficient cultivars to reduce the use of fungicide are URS Altiva and URS Guria