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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #96385
Title: INTITIAL EVALUATION OF DENDRYPHION PENICILLATUM AND PLEOSPORA PAPAVERACEA AS MYCOHERBICIDES FOR OPIUM POPPY (PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM)

Author
item Bailey, Bryan
item Birkhold, Patricia
item Anderson, James
item JENNINGS, JAMES C - FORMER WSL EMPLOYEE
item Oneill, Nichole

Submitted to: Weed Science Society of America Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/31/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: NA.

Technical Abstract: The pathogenic fungi Dendryphion penicillatum and Pleospora papaveracea were evaluated for their potential use as mycoherbicides for control of opium poppy. P. papaveracea caused more damage to opium poppy than D. penicillatum in the greenhouse when applied in 10% unrefined corn oil. P. papaveracea was more consistent in its effects on opium poppy Indian Grocery in the field causing higher disease ratings, more stem lesions, and equal or greater yield losses than D. penicillatum. The opium poppy variety White Cloud was severely damaged by disease regardless of formulation or fungal treatment. P. papaveracea was the predominant fungus isolated from poppy seed capsules and the only fungus re-isolated from the field the following year. Formulation had little influence on the disease rate or yield loss in the field by end of the season. Both D. penicillatum and P. papaveracea were pathogenic on opium poppy in the field and greenhouse but improvements in formulations will be required for these fungi to be used effectively for biocontrol of opium poppy.