ABSTRACT
Weeds are the major constraint to crop production but weeds are also prone to disease and there are several ways the natural enemies may be used to suppress weeds. Microbial herbicides comprise living plant pathogenic organisms including fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a voracious, virulent pathogen, an ideal microbial herbicide for broadleaf weed control, but its broad host range is expanded due to the sporogenic phase endangering broadleaf crops. A “bioherbicide innovation chain” was proposed by K. L. Bailey et al. to assist researchers and industry to work together to increase microbial herbicide product commercialisation. The goal of microbial herbicide research is development of commercially acceptable weed control products that effectively suppress weed growth and promote crop growth. Microbial herbicides must be economically produced, formulated with lengthy shelf life, and perform consistently under field conditions. Plant pathogens used as microbial may cause risks to non-target organisms including plants, animals, microbes and humans that must be rigorously scrutinized.
