Management of maize ear rot complex caused by Fusarium species in field using host resistance and seed treatment chemicals

Maize genotypes were screened for host resistance and seed treatment chemicals were evaluated in field to manage Fusarium ear rot complex of maize at high- and mid-hill environments in Nepal during 2003 and 2004. Seven popular maize genotypes along with a susceptible check were used in the host resistance study. The maize genotypes adopted from exotic sources, Manakamana-3 and Deuti, performed superior for ear rot resistance. Three seed treatment chemicals, Vitavax® 200B, Captan 75 WP, and Bavistin® were tested in Fusarium susceptible cultivar. Seed treatment chemicals, Vitavax® 200B, Captan 75 WP and Bavistin®, significantly (P < 0.05) reduced ear rot incidences of maize. This study suggests that cultivation of resistant varieties and applications of seed treatment chemicals can be integrated to prevent crop loss from ear rot complex and reduce potential health hazards due to mycotoxins contamination in maize grains.