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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #283323
Title: Phytotoxicity assessment for potential biological control of leafy spurge by soilborne microorganisms

Author
item Kremer, Robert
item SOUISSI, T. - Tunisian National Institute Of Agronomy

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2012
Publication Date: 9/14/2012
Citation: Kremer, R.J., Souissi, T. 2012. Phytotoxicity assessment for potential biological control of leafy spurge by soilborne microorganisms. In: W.J. McLeod editor. Proceedings of the Seventh Australasian Soil Disease Symposium, September 18-21, 2012, Fremantle, Western Australia. p. 17.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula-virgata), a native of Eurasia, is a serious invasive weed of western grasslands of North America. It is very difficult and cost-prohibitive to control with herbicides; control by insect biological control agents and cultural practices are minimally effective in suppressing vegetative growth and seed production. Current biological control of leafy spurge with pathogens is primarily with mycoherbicides, which require specific environmental conditions and repeated applications to be effective. Alternative biological control approaches using selected microorganisms to attack roots and adventitious shoots may effectively decrease vigor of leafy spurge without environmental manipulations to assure control efficacy. Our objectives were to survey leafy spurge accessions and their native soils for associated microorganisms, and to assess these microorganisms for potential biological control. Preliminary lettuce seedling bioassays indicated that 62 and 54% of rhizosphere and endorhizal bacteria significantly (P=0.05) inhibited root growth, causing necrotic lesions. Over 60% of fungal isolates bioassayed on rice agar significantly inhibited root growth of lettuce seedlings. The most effective microbial isolates, based on preliminary bioassays, were screened directly on leafy spurge cuttings. Culture filtrates of 40% of fungi caused complete chlorosis and leaf wilting. The most effective fungi originated from leafy spurge adventitious shoots. Only intact cells of bacteria were detrimental to leafy spurge, indicating that host-bacterial contact was required for pathogenicity. Results of the survey suggest that leafy spurge rhizospheres and adventitious shoots are good sources of potential biological control microorganisms, which should be considered for inclusion in comprehensive management programs for leafy spurge.