Efficacy of foliage fungicides against eyespot of winter wheat in Northern Italy

Summary. The efficacy of foliage fungicide applications against eyespot of soft wheat cv. Serio was evaluated under natural Oculimacula infection in an experimental area in the Po Valley (Northern Italy). The fungicide treatments prochloraz, prochloraz + propiconazole, and trifloxystrobin + cyproconazole were applied in the years of 2006 through to 2009. Seeds were also treated with a formulated product based on guazatine. All foliage fungicides were applied at the stem extension growth stage (Zadoks growth stage 30‒32), and at the manufacturer recommended rates. All tested treatments reduced the disease severity compared with untreated control. Prochloraz alone and particularly in combination with propiconazole gave the greatest efficacy in reducing eyespot. All treatments increased grain yield in 2006 and 2008. The effects of treatments on some yield parameters were also examined.