Fungicides for the control of tobacco blue mould in the field

Abstract

A wide range of fungicides and antibiotics was tested under field conditions for control of blue mould of tobacco (Peronospora tabacina Adam). Zineb and maneb, used at weekly intervals, have given consistently good results without adversely affecting leaf quality. Heavy atmospheric spore loads reduced the absolute affectiveness of the fungicides but the trend towards higher yields of saleable leaf was maintained. Best control throughout the season was obtained with zineb spray from transplanting to early January and subsequently zineb dust to the beginning of harvest. Results with maneb were not significantly different from those with zineb.