Harnessing new molecule systemic fungicides for effective management of seed-borne diseases in groundnut

The new molecule fungicides viz. Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Difenconazole 11.4 % SC (Amistar top) at 0.05 % and 0.1 %, Azoxystrobin 11 % + Tebuconazole 18.3 % SC (Custodia) at 0.1 % and 0.2 %, Thiophanate methyl 45 % + Pyraclostrobin 5 % FS (Xelora) at 0.1 % and 0.2 %, Fluxapyroxad 2.5 % + Pyraclostrobin 2.5 % SC (Merivon) at 0.05 % and 0.1 %, Pyraclostrobin 13.3 % + Epoxyconazole 5 % FS (Opera) at 0.075 % and 0.15 %, Penflufen 13.28 % + Trifloxystrobin 13.2 % FS (Ever Golxtend) at 0.05 % and 0.1 %, Trifloxystrobin 25 % + Tebuconazole 50 % WG (Nativo) at 0.025 % and 0.05 %, Difenoconazole 25 % EC (Score) at 0.1 % and 0.2 %, Pyraclostrobin 10 % CS (Chowkidar) at 0.05 % and 0.1 %, Tebuconazole 2 % DS (Raxil) at 0.05 % and 0.1 %, Fluxapyroxad 33.3 % FS (Systiva) at 0.075 % and 0.15 %, Carboxin 37.5 % WS + Thiram 37.5 %WS (Vitavax Power) at 0.3 % and 0.6 % were evaluated against seed infection, germination and vigor of groundnut variety G7 under in vitro and in vivo conditions during 2021-2024. Based on their efficacy in reducing the Aspergillus niger infection and enhancing seed germination and seedling vigor under in vitro conditions during 2021-2022, Pyraclostrobin 13.3 % + Epoxyconazole 5 % FS at 0.075 %, Penflufen 13.28 % + Trifloxystrobin 13.2 % FS at 0.1 %, Thiophanate Methyl 45 % + Pyraclostrobin 5 % FS at 0.1 % and Carboxin 37.5 % WS + Thiram 37.5 % WS at 0.3 % were further evaluated under in vitro condition during 2022-2023 and pot and field conditions during 2023-2024. Of which, Pyraclostrobin 13.3 % + Epoxyconazole 5 % FS (Opera) at 0.075 % outperformed the chemical check, Carboxin 37.5 % WS + Thiram 37.5 % WS at 0.3 % in terms of field emergence, seedling mortality, seedling vigor and disease control, proving its effectiveness in managing collar rot incidence in groundnut.