Biological control of Cucurbita pepo var. texana (Texas gourd) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) with the fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae. (Special Issue: Bioherbicides.)

摘要

Experiments were conducted to evaluate various formulations and application methods of the fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae (FSC) for controlling Texas gourd (Cucurbita pepo var. texana) in cotton. In greenhouse tests, Texas gourd was controlled 93% and 96%, respectively, with pre-emergence applications of FSC-infested cornmeal/sand medium (CMS) and FSC-wheat flour/kaolin ('Pesta') granules. Post-emergence applications of CMS or 'Pesta' granular formulations were less effective overall. However, >90% control of Texas gourd was achieved with post-emergence applications of FSC spores formulated in an emulsion consisting of 25% unrefined corn oil and 0.2% Silwet L-77 surfactant. Dew was not required to achieve optimal levels of weed control with either the pre-emergence granular formulations or with post-emergence corn oil/surfactant applications. In field tests, pre-emergence applications of FSC-infested CMS and FSC-'Pesta' granules controlled 90-94% of the weeds. Post-emergence applications of FSC formulated in corn oil/surfactant were equally efficacious in controlling Texas gourd in cotton. No damage to cotton was observed.