Fungal control of hyacinth
IITA, iNew
 It's
pretty to look at, but that doesn't change the fact that water hyacinth is one
of the world's most troublesome weeds. New evidence has led researchers at IITA
to believe that fungi have the potential to control these and other noxious
plants.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was introduced to Africa as an
ornamental plant. In less than 100 years it has spread rapidly across the
continent with devastating effects. Plants infesting waterways grow into a
tangled mat, which impedes transport and prevents hydroelectricity generation.
They also provide breeding grounds for the carriers of diseases such as malaria
and bilharzia.
Previously, IITA had controlled water hyacinth through the introduction of
weevils that ate the leaves and crown. But a recent biological control study-the
first research by IITA on the use of fungi for weed control-has shown that there
is an additional way to manage the plant population.
An IITA team surveyed water hyacinth sites across West Africa, and collected
potential fungal pathogens. Alternaria eichhorniae was selected for
further lab testing because it is indigenous to Africa, virulent, and specific
to water hyacinth. When formulated into a mycoherbicide, control of the target
weed was further improved.
"We can use what is already in nature to our advantage," says IITA
plant pathologist Dr Fen Beed. "Host-specific fungal pathogens can be used
to control weeds without disrupting other aspects of the environment."
 The
initial phase of the study was funded by DANIDA, and funding is being sought for
the next stage of the project. The ultimate aim is to produce a commercially
available mycoherbicide to control water hyacinth.
Additionally, the project has shown the potential for using fungal pathogens
to control other African weeds, including speargrass and witchweed.
Many countries are currently forced to waste precious time and resources trying
to control water hyacinth. An effective mycoherbicide, combined with weevils,
will help clear the waterways of West Africa so they can sustain people, and not
weeds.
More information:
Article courtesy of i.New, International institute of tropical agriculture (IITA).
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