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Assessment Of Physiological Effects Of Fungicides In Wheat
1C. Berdugo, 2U. Steiner, 3E. Oerke, 2H. Dehne
1. Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation INRES, University of Bonn
2. INRES- Phytomedicine
3. INRES - Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Germany

The use of fungicides is one of the most widespread methods implemented in intensive crop production focused in solving phytosanitary problems. The use of fungicides belonging to groups such as strobilurins has been associated with positive physiological effects such as increased tolerance against abiotic stresses, changes in plant growth regulator activities and delayed leaf senescence. The use of thermography is a non- destructive method which permits to distinguish physiological changes caused by biotic and abiotic stresses. The effects of four fungicidal groups on the leaves and ears senescence of wheat were studied in a disease free environment under greenhouse conditions. Fungicides were applied at two growth stages (GS), first when the flag leaf ligule was visible (GS 39), and when the emergence of inflorescence was completed (GS 59). The green leaf area duration (GLAD) was assessed as a percentage of green area of the leaf blade of the uppermost three leaves. Digital thermal images were obtained using a Varioscan 3201 ST (Jenoptic Laser, Jena, Germany) at four growth stages (GS 75, 80, 85 and 90). Fungicides increased GLAD when compared with an untreated control, and this difference was more evident at the flag leaf. Moreover, this increment was higher when strobilurin and carboxamide groups were used. Differences in transpiration rate between treatments was confirmed by thermal images due to the fact that significant differences were detected regarding leaf and ear temperature between treated and untreated plants. At GS 90 however, significant differences in the ear temperature could not be detected. Remote recognition of physiological changes in plants whit thermal images is an accurate alternative in order to detect the effects of fungicides on plant senescence.

Keyword: Green leaf area, leaf senescence, plant discrimination, transpiration