Investigations on fungicides

Abstract

SUMMARY The systemic therapeutic activity of eighty‐eight inorganic salts was assessed by determining their ability to protect broad bean seedlings from Botrytis fabae , tomato plants from Alternarin solani and wheat seedlings from Erysiphe graminis following root application to the host plants. Lithium sulphate, when applied to wheat seedlings, showed marked systemic activity against E. graminis. The toxicity of the salts towards Botrytis fabae was determined using the standard spore germination test and their toxicity towards broad bean and wheat seedlings was also assessed. Further tests were performed to ascertain the effect of bean sap upon the fungistatic activity of the salts. The degree of systemic activity shown by the salts is discussed in relation to such factors as their fungitoxicity, mode of action, fungitoxicity/phytotoxicity ratios, uptake by the plant and the degree to which plant sap inactivates them.