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A laboratory and a screenhouse experiments were respectively conducted to assess the effects of the fungicide Apron
Star ® containing thiamenthoxam (20%), metalaxyl (20%), and carbendazim (10%) on maize spermosphere
microbial community, as well as on maize seedling performance. Soil was sampled from the spermosphere of
fungicide-dressed maize seeds planted in plastic jars in the laboratory and analyzed to determine fungal population.
Germination and seedling growth of maize seeds treated with fungicide, and planted in plastic pots in the screehouse
were also monitored. Results indicated that fungicide reduced fungal population in the bulk soil whereas fungal
population was stimulated by the interaction of fungicide with the maize seed spermosphere. Results further showed
that treatment of seeds with fungicide before planting significantly enhanced seedling establishment (30.9%
increase in plant height at 4 weeks after planting). It was therefore concluded that Apron Star ® is potent against
pathogenic fungi that may adversely affect maize seed germination and seedling establishment. Furthermore,
application of this fungicide as seed dressing agent is not likely to pose an overall detrimental effect on the soil
community of bacteria and fungi.
Keywords: Fungicide, spermosphere, microbial community, seed dressing