It is appropriate at this time to reflect on two decades of research in biological control of weeds with fungal plant pathogens. Some remarkable events have occurred in the last 20 years that represent a flurry of activity far beyond what could reasonably have been predicted. In 1969 a special topics review article by C. L. Wilson was published in Annual Reviews of Phytopathology that examined the literature and the potential for biological control of weeds with plant pathogens. In that same year, experiments were conducted in Arkansas that determined whether a fungal plant pathogen could reduce the infestation of a single weed species in rice fields. In Florida a project was under way to determine the potential use of a soil-borne plant pathogen as a means for controlling a single weed species in citrus groves. Work in Australia was published that described experiments that sought to determine whether a pathogen could safely and deliberately be imported and released into a country to control a weed of agricultural importance. All three projects were successful in the sense that Puccinia chondrillina was released into Australia to control rush skeleton weed and was released later into the United States as well, and that Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f.sp. aeschynomene and Phytophthora palmivora were later both marketed for the specific purpose of controlling specific weed species.

This new volume brings together scientists from a variety of disciplines to present, summarize, review, and update information related to bioherbicides. Among the topics covered are pathogens with potential as bioherbicides, phylloplane-pathogen interactions, aspects of soil microorganisms, formulation and commercialization of microbes as bioherbicides, genetic aspects of pathogens for weed control, and chemistry and biochemistry of microbial-plant interactions. A valuable source of information for researchers involved in both biological weed control and herbicide development.

Publisher Description

Natural Remedies for Pest, Disease and Weed Control presents alternative solutions in the form of eco-friendly, natural remedies. Written by senior researchers and professionals with many years of experience from diverse fields in biopesticides, the book presents scientific information on novel plant families with pesticidal properties and their formulations. It also covers chapters on microbial pest control and control of weeds by allelopathic compounds. This book will be invaluable to plant pathologists, agrochemists, plant biochemists, botanists, environmental chemists and farmers, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. - Details microbial biopesticides and other bio-botanical derived pesticides and their formulation - Contains case studies for major crops and plants - Discuses phytochemicals of plant-derived essential oils

Biological control – utilizing a population of natural enemies to seasonally or permanently suppress pests – is not a new concept. The cottony cushion scale, which nearly destroyed the citrus industry of California, was controlled by an introduced predatory insect in the 1880s. Accelerated invasions by insects and spread of weedy non-native plants in the last century have increased the need for the use of biological control. Use of carefully chosen natural enemies has become a major tool for the protection of natural ecosystems, biodiversity and agricultural and urban environments. This book offers a multifaceted yet integrated discussion on two major applications of biological control: permanent control of invasive insects and plants at the landscape level and temporary suppression of both native and exotic pests in farms, tree plantations, and greenhouses. Written by leading international experts in the field, the text discusses control of invasive species and the role of natural enemies in pest management. This book is essential reading for courses on Invasive Species, Pest Management, and Crop Protection. It is an invaluable reference book for biocontrol professionals, restorationists, agriculturalists, and wildlife biologists. Further information and resources can be found on the Editor’s own website at: www.invasiveforestinsectandweedbiocontrol.info/index.htm

Biological control of plant diseases and plant pathogens is of great significance in forestry and agriculture. This book, the first of its kind, is organized around the indication that allelochemicals can be employed for biological control of plant pathogens and plant diseases. This volume focuses on discovery and development of natural product based fungicides for agriculture, direct use of allelochemicals, and application of allelopathy in pest management.