Evaluation of Fungicides for the Elimination of Seed-Borne Infection of Alternaria macrospora in Gossypium arboreum

Twelve commonly available fungicides namely, Aureofungin-Sol, Bavistin SD, Bavistin WP, Blitox, Captan, Difolatan, Indofil M- 45, Indofil Z-78, Seedex (Organomercurial), Thiride, Vitavax and Ziride were evaluated for the elimination of seed-borne infection of leaf and boll spot fungus Alternaria macrospora in Gossypium arboreum variety G 27. Evaluation of fungicides in laboratory by Standard Blotter Method revealed the elimination of more than 2/3 of A. macrospora infection by seed treatment with Vitavax, Aureofungin-Sol, Seedex, Difolatan and Indofil M-45. The pot culture studies with sterilized vertisol soil indiciated the highest percentage of seed germination in treatments with Aureofungin-Sol, Vitavax and Thiride. The treatments of Seedex, Aureofungin-Sol, Thiride and Vitavax gave rise to highest number of healthy seedlings as well as a lowest count for diseased seedlings.