Field evaluation of Alternaria alternata as mycoherbicide for the management of Rumex dentatus

Abstract

The study investigated the mycoherbicidal potential of Alternaria alternata to control Rumex dentatus L., a problematic weed of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), under field conditions. Two wheat cultivars, viz. Inqalab 91 and Punjab 96, were co-cultivated with R. dentatus at 1:1 crop-weed ratio. Mycoherbicidal formulation was prepared in 20% canola oil emulsion with 107 conidia mL-1. The mycoherbicidal formulation was sprayed at the 2–3 and again at the 4–5 leaf stage of the weed. Application of mycoherbicide significantly reduced the biomass of the target weed species up to 88% and enhanced the number of fertile tillers, shoot and root biomass and grain weight in both wheat cultivars. The study concludes that A. alternata can be used as a potential biological agent for the management of R. dentatus in wheat.