Increased Yield and Persistence of Red Clover after a Soil Drench Application of Benomyl¹

Abstract

Abstract Benomyl (methyl 1‐[butylcarbamoyl]‐2‐benzimidazolecarbamate) fungicide was applied as a soil drench to red clover ( Trifolium pratense L.) field plots in June 1970, the second growing season. Forage yields from the benomyl‐treatcd plots were significantly higher than yields from the untreated plots in 1970 and 1971. In September 1971, benomyl‐treated plots had more plants, many of which were large and were classified as original plants; more root borers ( Hylastinus obscurus [Marsham] per plant; and fewer weeds than did the untreated plots. Fusarium was the only pathogenic fungus consistently isolated from rotted roots in September 1971.