Systemic Fungicides for Control of Dwarf Bunt of Wheat: II. Foliar Application. W. G. Dewey, Professor, Department of Plant Science, Utah State University, Logan 84322. J. A. Hoffmann, Research Plant Pathologist, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and J. E. Call and S. M. Rine, Former Graduate Students, Department of Plant Science, Utah State University, Logan 84322. Plant Dis. 67:297-299. Accepted for publication 1 August 1982. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1983. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-297.

Twenty-one fungicide formulations were applied as fall or spring foliar sprays to the dwarf bunt-susceptible winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivar Wanser during the 7-yr period 1975–1981. Several contact-type fungicides, as well as some systemic compounds, controlled dwarf bunt when applied as fall sprays. It is suspected that most, but not all, of the control from fall applications of the systemic fungicides resulted from direct action against teliospores of Tilletia controversa at or near the soil surface. In most years and with most fungicides, spring foliar applications were ineffective in controlling dwarf bunt. Etaconazole, however, significantly reduced infection in 3 of the 4 yr it was tested and provided the first indication that the dwarf bunt fungus can be eradicated once it has become established in the wheat plant.