Mycoherbicidal potential of Alternaria alternata for management of Chenopodium album under field condition

摘要

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the mycoherbicidal potential ofAlternaria alternata?to control?Chenopodium album?L., a problematic weed of wheat. Two wheat cultivars viz. Inqalab 91 and Punjab 96 were co-cultivated with?C. album?in 1:1 crop-weed ratio. Mycoherbicidal formulation was prepared in 20% canola oil emulsion with 107?conidia mL-1?of?A. alternata. The mycoherbicidal formulation was sprayed at 2 - 3 and then at 4 - 5 leaf stage of the weed. Application of mycoherbicide significantly reduced the biomass of the target weed species up to 90%. Mycoherbicidal application significantly enhanced number of fertile tillers and 100 grains weight in both wheat cultivars. As a result of mycoherbicidal application, root and shoot biomass was significantly increased in cv. Inqalab 91 but not in cv. Punjab 96. The present study concludes that application of?A. alternata?in 20% canola oil can reduced growth of?C. album?resulting in enhanced growth and yield of wheat.