Studies on biological control of Chenopodium album by Ascochyta caulina

Studies were carried out to assess the perspectives of the plant pathogenic fungus Ascochyta caulina (P. Karst) v.d. Aa & v. Kest. as a mycoherbicide against Chenopodium album L., world-wide a weed in arable crops. A. caulina is associated with necrosis of leaves and stems of plants belonging to genera of Chenopodium L. and Atriplex L. The studies were focused on recognition of factors that may limit disease development and on relationships between disease development and control. Three control strategies of C.album were studied: application of A. caulina to the soil, to young plants and to flowering plants. Disease development of plants after the application of the fungus was quantified for a broad range of conditions. Relationships between disease development and control were demonstrated. The perspectives of A.caulina as a mycoherbicide against C.album were discussed. It was concluded that the fungus has a good potential to be further developed into a mycoherbicide against the weed.