| Public concerns regarding the use of chemical herbicides in public areas have stimulated the development of biological control agents (BCAs) to control weeds, such as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber in Wiggers) in turf. In 1995, a collaborative university-industry research project was established in Canada and aimed to develop a BCA for dandelion in turf. Compatibility of three fungal pathogens (Phoma herbarum Westendorp. (isolate G5/2), Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boed. (isolate MAC2) and Plectosphaerella cucumerina (Lindfors.) W. Gams (isolate AC9530)) with three chemical herbicides (unformulated 2,4-D; diquat, as formulated in Reglone;Dandelion response to herbicide and pathogen treatments was generally reduced under field conditions, suggesting that environmental conditions and/or other factor(s) play a role in efficacy. Biological agents can suppress target weeds, such as dandelion, and integration of BCAs with sublethal herbicide closes can enhance weed control to potentially decrease cost of a commercial product and alleviate concerns about high volume use of chemical pesticides. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
