Biological Control of Hemp Sesbania (Sesbania exaltata) Under Field Conditions withColletotrichum truncatumFormulated in an Invert Emulsion

Abstract

In greenhouse experiments, conidia ofColletotrichum truncatumapplied in an invert emulsion formulation controlled hemp sesbania 100% in the absence of a dew treatment. In field experiments, hemp sesbania control averaged 95 and 97% in 1989 and 1990, respectively, when this formulation was applied to hemp sesbania seedlings using tractor-mounted, air-assist nozzles. This level of weed control was comparable to that achieved from the herbicide acifluorfen. These results indicate thatC. truncatumhas excellent potential as a mycoherbicide for controlling hemp sesbania and that this potential can be augmented by formulating the pathogen as an invert emulsion.