Evaluating Chemical Seed Treatments for Fusarium Root Rot Control in Dry Beans and Field Peas

This study evaluated commercially available seed treatment products for their ability to control Fusarium solani and F. avenaceum, causal agents of root rot in dry edible bean and field peas, respectively, through in-vitro, growth chamber and field trials. Disease severity was assessed using a 0 to 5 scale, and root health parameters were recorded. The in-vitro tests conducted were not considered good predictors of fungicide performance in growth chamber or field trials in case of dry beans for management of F. solani. In case of field peas, in-vitro and growth chamber studies provided consistent results and allowed the identification of fludioxonil, trifloxystrobin and pyraclostrobin as the most effective products to manage F. avenaceum. Overall, integration of chemical seed treatments along with cultural practices; crop varieties partially resistant to root rot, and drench application is necessary to effectively manage Fusarium root rot of dry beans and field peas in field conditions.