Oats (Avena sativa)-Seed Decay and Seedling Blight

Latest revision: 
March 2024

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Cause Several soil-inhabiting or seed-contaminating fungi or fungus-like microorganisms, such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, Drechslera avenae, Fusarium culmorum, Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia solani cause seedling blights; the latter three can cause seed decay. Any soil condition that prevents rapid germination and emergence increases the possibility of seedling blight or seed decay.

Symptoms Seeds may decay in soil, or seedlings may be blighted and killed below the surface. Stands are thin and uneven or missing in small to large areas.

Cultural control Seed when soil conditions favor rapid germination and emergence.

Chemical control Seed treatment is helpful.

  • Acquire (Group 4) at 0.75 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye. For control of Pythium only. See label for reentry restrictions.
  • Allegiance-FL (Group 4) at 0.75 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye if Pythium is a problem. See label for reentry restrictions.
  • Apron XL (Group 4) at 0.32 to 0.64 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye. See label for reentry restrictions.
  • Captan 4F (Group M4) at 4 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye.
  • Maxim 4FS (Group 12) at 0.08 to 0.16 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye. For control of pathogenic Fusarium, Helminthosporium, and Rhizoctonia spp. 12-hr reentry.
  • Mertect at 0.03 mg a.i./seed (3.4 fl oz/100 lbs seed) plus a dye. To control pathogenic Fusarium spp.
  • Raxil MD (Group 3 + 4) at 5 to 6.5 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye. See label for reentry restrictions.
  • Stamina (Group 11) at 0.4 to 0.8 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye. Use in combination with other active ingredients labeled for seed treatment.
  • Thiram 50WP Dyed (Group M3) at 4.1 oz/100 lb seed (not for use in Oregon) or 42-S Thiram at 2 fl oz/bu of oat seed. For a broad spectrum of fungi. See label for reentry restrictions.
  • Vibrance (Group 7) at 0.08 to 0.16 fl oz/100 lb seed plus a dye. See label for reentry restrictions.

Biological control

  • Bexfond at 7 to 14 fl oz/A. O