Evaluation of Control Efficacy of Biocontrol Agent, Epicoccosorus nematosporus on Eleocharis kuroguwai in the Field

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Epicoccosorus nematosporus for the control of Eleocharis kuroguwai and to evaluate the meteorological factors which affect weeding efficacy in field conditions for three years (1996-1998). The best time to control E. kuroguwai with E. nematosporus as a biological control agent in the field was in July, when temperature ranged from 20.4 to <TEX>$23.4^{\circ}C$</TEX>; the surface wetness duration was 12.6-16.1 hours, and application time of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and weeding efficacy was 81-90%. On 10 June 1996 in Milyang area, where the field experiments were performed, mean temperature was <TEX>$16.5^{\circ}C$</TEX> with 11.3 hours of dew duration. Meanwhile, on 20 Aug. 1996 the temperature was <TEX>$21.3^{\circ}C$</TEX> with 15.4 hours of dew duration. During these periods, the weeding efficacy was recorded at 61.8 and 60.8%, respectively. Time required for complete plant death was 25.8 and 25.6 days at application times 10 June and 20 Aug., respectively. At the time of application on 7,18, and 27 July 1996, mean temperature was 20.4-<TEX>$23.4^{\circ}C$</TEX> with 12.6-16.5 hours of dew duration. The weeding efficacies of these periods were very hi일 with 81.4-90.8%. Three years of field observations from 1996 to 1998 showed that infection in the field can occur at any time through the summer season, although total infection rates vary between months and between years. In 1996, plant infection rapidly increased from 56% on 30 June, 82.4% on 15 July, 94.6% on 15 August, and 92.8% on 15 September under favorable meteorological conditions such as minimum temperature of <TEX>$17.6^{\circ}C$</TEX> and maximum temperature of <TEX>$27.1^{\circ}C$</TEX>, with 86% relative humidity and 977.5 mm of rainfall during E. kuroguwai growing season. However, in 1997, the disease incidence was very low because of unfavorable weather conditions brought about by the hot temperature and the low amount of rainfall at 321.5 mm. Disease progress was slow from 24.4% on 30 June to 49.2% at the end of the growing season.