Abstract
Phoma macrostoma is a fungus being developed as a natural herbicide (bioherbicide) for selective weed control in turfgrass. Previous research with this product is limited to cool-season turfgrass, and information is limited on appropriate application rates or efficacy at higher temperatures and weeds associated with warmseason turf. Field studies were conducted in College Station, TX to evaluate efficacy of the bioherbicidefor slender aster (Aster subulatusvar. ligulatus Shinners) control in common bermudagrass. In 2011, applications of 128 g m-2, split-applied between days 0 and 28 resulted in good control (88%); however, 64 and 32 g m-2 rates failed to provide adequate control. In 2012, single applications of 128 gave excellent control (94%), while the 32 and 64 g m-2 rates gave poor control (54 and 68%, respectively) relative to untreated plots.No injury to common bermudagrass occurred in either study.
Highlights
In recent decades, synthetic herbicides have come under increased scrutiny around the world
Some alternative herbicides available for use include vinegar, essential oils, citric acid, fatty acids, and combinations of these different products. These products are primarily used as nonselective herbicides, with effective weed control being dependent upon product concentrations with vinegar, citric acid and clove oils providing better control at higher use rates [2,3,4]
While the same total application amounts were applied in both years, the bioherbicide treatments were split-applied between day 0 and day 28 in 2011, and applied entirely at day 0 in 2012
Summary
Synthetic herbicides have come under increased scrutiny around the world. With growing pressure to ban synthetic herbicides, the need for alternative weed control options has increased. There are few effective natural options for weed control in turfgrass systems. Some alternative herbicides available for use include vinegar, essential oils (clove and cinnamon oil), citric acid, fatty acids (pelargonic acid), and combinations of these different products. These products are primarily used as nonselective herbicides, with effective weed control being dependent upon product concentrations with vinegar, citric acid and clove oils providing better control at higher use rates [2,3,4]. Use of higher product rates, results in greater potential for crop injury [5]
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