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Compatibility of Metalaxyl with Rhizobium Meliloti on Alfalfa Seed to Control Pythium Damping Off
Author(s) -
Edmisten K. L.,
Wolf D. D.,
Stromberg E. L.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1988.0011183x002800030031x
Subject(s) - metalaxyl , biology , pythium , damping off , seedling , fungicide , rhizobium , pythium ultimum , agronomy , seed treatment , phycomycetes , phytophthora , horticulture , root rot , germination , inoculation , rhizoctonia solani
Metalaxyl [ N ‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyi)‐ N ‐(methoxyacetyl)‐alanine methyl ester], an acylalanine fungicide, has been reported to be effective in controlling fungi in the order Peronosporales. Metalaxyl shows promise for control of Phytophthora root rot ( Phytophthora megasperma Drechs.) and damping‐off ( Pythium spp.) in seedling alfalfa ( Medicago satlva L.) if seed treatment does not interfere with the N 2 ‐fixing bacterium ( Rhizobium meliloti Dangeard). Spring nofill plantings often are made earlier where fall‐applied herbicide is used to suppress sod. Plantings made in cooler weather are more susceptible to seed‐ and soil‐borne diseases. Compatibility of this fungicide with R. meliloti when used as a seed treatment was determined using the most‐probable‐number technique, by measuring seedling growth, total seedling crude protein, and N 2 fixation as estimated by acetylene reduction. Metalaxyl had no detrimental effect on viability or N 2 ‐fixing capability of R. melilotl at recommended rates of application. Under growth chamber conditions, metalaxyl increased seedling survival by 45 to 60% over nontreated P. ultimum Trow infested controls.