Evaluation of Seed Dressing Fungicides Against Barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i> L) Loose Smut (<i>Ustilago nuda</i> L) in the Bale Zone, Oromiya

Biotic factor is the main factor that reduce the quality and production of Barley in Ethiopia. Among biotic factors loose smut (Ustilago nuda) is the one factor. This study was commenced to determine the effects of seed dressing fungicides on loose smut incidence and yield and yield components. The field experiment was conducted at two locations namely Sinana and selka by using a randomised complete block design with two replications. Susceptible Barley seed Guta variety were treated by dressing with different fungicides (Indotwins, Torpedo 250 FS and Proceding plus) and untreated plots in the two tested site. Seed treatment resulted in highly significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in days to emergence and flowering, smut incidence and yield, whereas plant height, thousand kernel weight and hectoliter weight were not significantly affected. Minimum (0.00%) loose smut incidence was recorded on seeds treated with Indotwins, Torpedo 250 FS and Proceding plus, while maximum (15%) incidence was recorded for plots sown with untreated seeds. About 3996 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> maximum yield was obtained from seeds dressed at two locations. From visual observation, Seed dressed fungicide showed better morphology than untreated plots and it showed best fungicides to resist impacts of other factor (s) like Barley Shoot fly. Therefore, seed dressing fungicides (Indotwins and Torpedo 250 FS) would significantly reduce barley loose smut incidence better than Check Fungicides (Proceeding plus) and needs to be promoted. Furthermore, Developing Resistance cultivars against loose smut would be the better option to keep barley production and quality.