Comparative efficacy of plant Tconditioners, essential oils versus fungicides in managing rust and powdery mildew in winter wheat
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This research evaluated the effectiveness of plant conditioners, peppermint essential oil, and a conventional fungicide (Amistar) in managing rust fungi and powdery mildew in spring wheat under field conditions at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. A randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replications was used, assessing disease incidence and yield parameters. Results showed no significant differences in yield metrics among treatments, but yields (2.4 t/ha) were notably below Hungary's average (5.6 t/ha), suggesting losses due to disease pressure. The fungicide was most effective against both diseases, while the plant conditioner controlled rust fungi but not powdery mildew, and peppermint oil had moderate success with powdery mildew but little effect on rust. Weather conditions favored fungal development, with temperature and rainfall positively correlating with rust fungi, and humidity with powdery mildew. The study highlights the need for further research on optimizing alternative treatments within integrated pest management frameworks to sustainably manage wheat diseases.