Using Metconazole and Tolclofos-Methyl as a Seed Treatment to Protect Sugarbeets From Early Season Rhizoctonia Crown and Root Rot

Abstract

Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is found in the soil of all sugarbeet growing regions. It is the casual pathogen of Rhizoctonia Crown and Root Rot, an economically important disease of sugarbeets. Recent reports have noted the increase in the distribution and severity of RRCR. In extreme situations, RRCR can destroy up to half of the crop. Currently metconazole is the only registered seed treatment that offers protection from R. solani for sugarbeets. Tolclofos-methyl is a contact, aromatic hydrocarbon fungicide that has shown activity against R. solani in other crops. It is applied at a rate of 0.5 grams of active ingredient per 100,000 seeds, on pelleted blank seed or incorporated into the pelleting. The combination of metconazole and tolclofos-methyl has been shown to provide a reduction in infection severity and early season survivability in the field. Metconazole and tolclofos-methyl, applied as a seed treatment, has been shown to provide protection from early season RRCR.