Effect of a Systemic Fungicide Metalaxyl on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Chlorophyll Content in Maize (Zea mays L)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of metalaxyl, a systemic fungicide on the morphological and physiological in maize during early germination. The result showed a decrease in germination percentage, shoot length, fresh weight and vigor index in all the concentrations of fungicide treated except for 4.5mg treatment which was at par with the control. Chlorophyll content found to be decreased over control and Electrical conductivity increased with increasing concentration of metalaxyl. The above result indicates 7mg concentration of metalaxyl proves to be phyto toxic to the maize seedlings whereas 4.5mg has a slight stimulatory effect.