ABSTRACT

A new strategy for weed control has recently been considered in Italy. The Experimental Plant Pathology Institute is carrying out experiments dealing with the use of fungal pathogens as possible agents for biological control of weeds. Special attention is being paid to two troublesome cereal weeds: velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) and poppy (Papaver rhoeas Linnaeus). Two fungi are under study: Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze ex Nees et Nees) Wiltshire on velvetleaf and the anamorph of Pleospora papaveracea (De Notaris) Saccardo on poppy. Preliminary results on biomass reduction caused by a conidial spray of A. tenuissima on velvetleaf are reported in comparison with a herbicide treatment.