Management of flag smut of wheat through seed-cum-soil treatment with Trichoderma alone and in combination with fungicides

Two systemic seed dressers carboxin 75WP (Vitavax) and tebuconazole 2DS (Raxil) at two different concentrations and a bio-agent Trichoderma viride in different combinations were evaluated under naturally infested cultivator's field during Rabi 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 using susceptible cultivar Raj 1482. Results indicate that in comparison to seed dressers Trichoderma viride alone was less effective in reducing the flag smut infection applied either through seed or soil or both in combination. Both the seed dressers at each concentration gave good control of the disease and were at par in efficacy. However, combination of Trichoderma viride with lower concentration of seed dressers was also found equally effective as seed dresser alone. Maximum yield was obtained with tebuconazole 2DS when applied @ 1.25 g/kg seed followed by tebuconazole 2DS @ 0.625 g/kg seed, Trichoderma viride + tebuconazole 2DS (at half dose) and Trichoderma viride + carboxin 75 WP (at half dose).