Insecticide-Dimecron (Phosphamidon) showed adverse effect on seed germination and seedling growth of Pennisetum americanum as compared to systemic fungicide topsin-M (Methyl thiophenate). Root growth was more adversely affected than shoot growth at higher concentration. Combined use of both the insecticide and fungicide reduced phytotoxicity. An increase in phenolic content was recorded in separate and combined treated samples.

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Application of systemic fungicides viz. benlate and bayleton showed significant decrease in germination as compared to control. Bayleton more adversely affected on shoot growth as compared to root growth while benlate showed greater inhibition in root growth. Total DNA and RNA contents were decreased by the application of systemic fungicides. An increase in total phenolic content was also recorded in test specie.