ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates primarily the economic aspects of mycoherbicide development relative to conventional chemical herbicides. Many small mycoherbicide projects like the Texas gourd project and the waterhyacinth project might be successfully undertaken by a small company for a reasonable return on investment. Although mycoherbicides and tungi used for classical biological control of weeds are promising as alternatives to synthetic chemical herbicides, other biological agents or methods of weed control are feasible and should not be overlooked. The ultimate goal is the same as the goal for mycoherbicides: environmentally safe, effective, economical, and convenient control of weed pests. The development of a mycoherbicide may need to be in advanced stages before a small company can justify becoming involved with registration, production, and marketing. Biological control methods can be integrated with other methods, including use of chemicals, to reduce the overall chemical dependency of modern agriculture. Mycoherbicides can complement chemicals and fill niches where chemicals are lacking or fail to be effective.
