FAR carried out a number of studies in the 2000s to investigate the effect of various fungicides on the incidence of blind seed disease and on fungal endophyte transmission. This publication summarises those studies, which are still relevant, and updates the list of fungicides registered in New Zealand for blind seed disease control.
Key points
- Blind seed disease can result in significant reductions in seed line germination in ryegrass. It is caused by the fungus Gloeotinia temulenta.
- Blind seed disease is more prevalent in short, open crops with less bulk at flowering, as well as in second-year ryegrass seed crops.
- Fungicide options are available that provide effective control of blind seed disease.
- Fungicide treatment can reduce the levels of viable AR37 endophyte.
Read Herbage Update 77 Blind seed disease management in ryegrass seed crops here