Biological weed control

There are two principal approaches to the biological control of weeds (483—485). The first approach is referred to as classical or inoculative biological weed control. Plants that have been introduced to areas outside of their natural range often encounter fewer growth and seed dissemination... 

Biological weed control, 73 331—332 Biologies, manufacture of, 3 826 Biology, microfluidic applications in, 26 968-973... 

Tilman, E.A., Tilman, D., Crawley, M.J. and Johnston, A.E. 1999. Biological weed control via nutrient competition. Potassium limitation of dandelions. Ecological Applications 9(1) 103-111. 

Boyetchko, S.M. Innovative applications of microbial agents for biological weed control. In Biotechnological Approaches in Biocontrol of Plant Pathogens. Mukerji, K.G, Chamola, B.G, Upadhyay, R.K., eds., Plenum Press London, 1999 pp. 73-97. 

Data from whence knowledge of these defense mechanisms originated have nearly a11 been from studies on crop plants and their respective disease organisms. There are virtually no studies of such mechanisms In weed-pathogen Interactions. This represents a serious void In the full utilization of biological weed control using bioherbicides (pathogens or their phytotoxic products). 

It Is evident from these studies that the use of PAL Inhibitors can weaken plant defense In some cases, thereby Increasing disease severity. In biological weed control, such compounds might be useful as pathogen synergists. This could provide better weed control with less pathogen Inoculum. Apparently none of these PAL Inhibitors have been tested for this utility In weed control. It Is also possible that more efficient Inhibitors may be synthesized In the future as knowledge of PAL and secondary metabolism Increases. 

The Importance of secondary plant metabolism In plant disease resistance suggests that It as an area that will provide fundamental answers to questions allowing us to manipulate weed host-pathogen Interactions for Improved biological weed control. 

Biological weed control nsnally involves the use of insects and disease-cansing agents which attack certain weed species. An example is the con-... 

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