Influence of Sequential Dew Periods on Biocontrol of Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia) byAlternaria cassiae

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Abstract
In greenhouse tests, at least 8 hr of dew within 2 days after inoculation was required for the fungus Alternaria cassiae to kill all inoculated sicklepod seedlings consistently. Increased efficacy of A. cassiae was evident when inoculated seedlings were treated with two shorter than optimal dew periods of 2-6 hr 1, 2, 3, or 4 days after the initial dew period. For A. cassiae to be used as a microbial herbicide, inoculum should be applied when environmental conditions are favorable for dew to occur on the foliage of sicklepod within 2 days after inoculation.