An important pathogenic feature of the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana is its capacity to be transmitted through barley (Hordeum vulgare) seeds, sometimes in levels up to 100%, which turns fungus eradication very difficult with the available fungicides. As an attempt to improve the control of the seed-borne fungus inoculum, two organic solvents (monoethyleneglycol - MEG and propyleneglycol - PPG, both at 0,5, 1, and 2%) were tested as vehicle for fungicides (iminoctadine, iprodione, triadimenol, triticonazol, flutriafol, and difenoconazol) used for seed dressing. In vitro fungus eradication was obtained with iminoctadine + MEG, iminoctadine + PPG (at 1 and 2%), and iprodione + PPG (2%). The organic solvents also improved the other fungicides efficacy, but they did not reach a 100% control. The in vivo (growth chamber adjusted to 25 ± 2 ºC and 80 - 95% RU) fungus transmission was 89,7% to coleoptiles and 12,3% to plumules. All fungicides reduced this process by more than 90% and the use of PPG did not improve fungicide performance significantly. Iminoctadine and difenoconazol completely inhibited the fungus transmission to coleoptiles. In conclusion, the positive in vitro effects of the organic solvents were not confirmed in vivo.
