A widespread occurrence of seedling blight, common root rot, and spot blotch,
caused by Cochliobolus salivus Drechs.ex Dastur, was recorded on wheat in Egypt
from 1998 to 2002. The prevalence of these diseases was more evident in North
Egypt (Delta region) than in Middle and South (Upper) Egypt. Fourteen synthetic
fungicides and two natural products were selected for controllinq C. sativus. All
compounds significantly reduced seedling blight and root rot incidence and spot blotch
severity (%). Consequently, improvement of seedling growth, grain yield and other
agronomic traits were obtained with the application of these compounds. Benomyl,
carbendazim, thiabendazole and mancozeb, were the most effective compounds,
followed by bupirimate, neem-Ieaf extract, carboxin and oxycarboxin. The two natural
products, extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) and luban (frankincense. Boswellia
sacra) were superior to some fungicides tested. Therefore, the possibility of using
them to control C. sativus as safe compounds for human and environment was
discusse.d.