LAUSR

Abstract Fungicidal compounds such as triazoles and strobilurins have been shown to have plant growth regulating properties leading to, amongst others, delayed senescence or increased yield. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the merit of the growth regulating properties of fungicides under South African production conditions on sorghum yield. Three split-plot trials were planted during 2013/14 and 2014/15 respectively (Greytown, Potchefstroom and Standerton). Eleven fungicide treatments (main plots) consisted of two fungicides (azoxystrobin/difenoconazole and epoxiconazole/pyraclostrobin) applied at 6 weeks, 6 & 8 weeks, 8 weeks, 8 & 10 weeks and 10 weeks after planting and an untreated control, replicated three times. Four cultivars were included as sub-plots. Leaf blight severity, percentage leaf senescence, plant biomass at harvest as well as yield were determined. Leaf blight severity in all trials was sufficiently low (