Influence, optimization, energy budgeting and monetary considerations of different time intervals between fungicidal seed treatment and sowing on Sclerotium blight of soybean

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is susceptible to the fungal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii from seedling emergence to pod fill. A few systemic and non-systemic fungicides have been recommended as pre-sowing seed treatment (ST) for the management of Sclerotium blight of soybean worldwide. But farmers, especially in developing countries do not utilize ST mainly on account of preoccupation in other practices considered by them essential for sowing. The possibility of ST applied well in advance of sowing was therefore investigated. Results indicated that ST on average increased field emergence by 26.19%, reduced post-emergence mortality (POM) by 49.03% and enhanced seed yield by 23.00%. Seed treatment with carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% @ 0.2% was the best. Seed treatment 50 days prior to sowing was superior by increasing emergence, reducing POM and enhancing seed yield with high monetary returns and energy output.