Biological Herbicides: Discovery, Development, Deployment

Abstract

Chemical herbicides are without question the most effective immediate solution to most weed problems. They are not, however, the only option or necessarily the best for all weed control situations (23, 24, 34). Recent commercialization of two biological herbicides illustrates another weed control technology with potential (24, 27, 44, 50). Abbott Laboratories marketed the fungusPhytophthora palmivoraButler in 1981 for control of strangler vine (Morrenia odorataLindl.) in Florida citrus groves. The Upjohn Company will market the fungus (Colletotrichum gloeosporioidesf. sp.aeschynomene(c.g.a.) in 1982 for control of northern jointvetch [Aeschynomene virginica(L.) B.S.P.] in Arkansas rice (Oryza sativaL.) and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] fields (45).