Bio efficacy of seed priming with fungicides against major soil borne diseases of maize (Zea Mays L.)

Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2017 and rabi 2017-18 to evaluate the bio-efficacy of fungicides (Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS, Carbendazim 50 WP, Mancozeb 75 WP and Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% WS) against the seed rot and seedling blight of maize at Research Farm, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Jhabua (MP). All the fungicides were found significantly effective against the seed rot and seedling blight compared to control. The maximum seed germination (86.98 and 86.32% in kharif and rabi, respectively), shoot length (32.76 and 38.30 cm in kharif and rabi, respectively), root length (4.79 and 5.12 cm in kharif and rabi, respectively) and seedling vigour index (3254.8 in kharif and 3748.0 in rabi) were recorded on Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS @ 35 g/kg seeds (T3) followed by Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS @ 3.0 g/kg seeds (T2). While the lowest values of these parameters were in control. Similarly, lowest % disease incidences of seed rot (9.08 and 8.0% in respective seasons) and seedling blight (5.81 and 4.11%) was recorded with Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS @ 35 g/kg seeds followed by Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS @ 30 g/kg seeds. Yield attributes, yields and economics of maize also significantly influenced by various fungicides. Significantly higher grain yield of 2795 kg/ha and stover yield of 3860 kg/ha was recorded in Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS @ 35 g/kg seeds and which was on par with Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS @ 30 g/kg seeds. Maximum gross returns of Rs. 47914, net returns of Rs. 36615 and B:C ratio of 2.60 were also recorded with the seed priming with Carbendazim 25% + Mancozeb 50% WS @ 35 g/kg seeds.