Evaluation of fungal isolates as possible biocontrol agents against Striga hermonthica

Striga hermonthica is a parasitic weed which largely constrains maize and sorghum production in Western Kenya. The weed mostly invades small scale farms and depending on severity, it may cause damage ranging from ۱۰% to complete crop failure thereby aggravating the food insecurity in that region. This study aimed at evaluating fungal isolates as possible biocontrol agents against the weed. Fungi were isolated from diseased Striga hermonthica and their virulence efficacy against the weed tested in a greenhouse. All the fungal isolates tested caused infection and consequently death of the weed. Fusarium incarnatum had the highest infection rate of ۹۲% followed by Gibberella intricans and F. chlamydosporum at ۹۰% each. Fusarium oxysporium caused the highest mortality of ۶۰% with Gibberella intricans, causing the least mortality of ۳۶%. F. oxysporium was the most aggressive and potent fungal isolate against the weed hence a suitable candidate for exploitation as a mycoherbicide against the weed.

کلیدواژه ها:

Striga hermonthica ، Fusarium ، Biocontrol ، Mycoherbicide