A chemical treatment for maize seed to control the germination of teliospores of Ustilago maydis.

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of thiram and other fungicides as seed disinfestants for the control of teliospores of Ustilago maydis. Exposure to thiram inhibited teliospore germination only temporarily. Bawsan 'L', containing the fungicide 2-(thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole (TCMTB), was the most effective chemical tested. It completely inhibited the germination of teliospores with 18 h exposure, and it also had a fumigant action. Tests with maize seed contaminated with teliospores indicated that complete control could be achieved after treatment with 100 ml Bawsan 'L'/100 kg of seed and that, at this rate of application, seed could be stored for at least 12 months without any deleterious effect on seedling emergence.