Effects of seed treatment with mustard meal in control of Fusarium culmorum Sacc. and the growth of common wheat ( Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare )

This study investigated the bio-control activity of organic mustard meal as a seed dressing against Fusarium culmorum Sacc., the methods of its application on seed germination and germination capacity, and the parameters of plant development of wheat under in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions. White mustard meal applied as a wet dressing at a dose of 15 and 30 g per kg of seed, as well as dry dressing at a dose of 15, 30, and 50 g per kg of seed, did not negatively influence seed germination and plant development. However, the dry method of dressing was significantly less effective against Fusarium blight (in the greenhouse between 38 and 44% of infected plants were from dry dressing seed, 14–22% from wet dressing and 65% from untreated plants). The lower doses of mustard meal used in the wet method of seed dressing are therefore recommended. Under field conditions, 15 g of mustard meal, together with 45 ml of water per 1 kg of seed, improved the wheat growth and grain quality parameters. The results justify the recommendation of this method to be used especially in organic farming due to the high potential of its agronomic usefulness.