Recent Advances in the Use of Plant Pathogens as Biocontrol Agents of Weeds

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Abstract
Among various organisms attacking skeleton weed, Chondrilla juncea, in Europe, a rust fungus, Puccinia chondrillina, and two powdery mildews, Erysiphe cichoracearum and Leveillula taurica f. sp. chondrillae were found to be the most damaging. P. chondrillina was shown to be specific to Chondrilla and has recently been introduced into Australia where skeleton weed is important in wheat cultivation. It has already spread throughout the weed infestations and is beginning to reduce plant populations. Encouraged by the result of the Chondrilla rust, the possible use of Puccinia xanthii for the control of Xanthium strumarium and X. spinosum has also been studied. Current research on the possible use of phytopathogens in the biological control of some other weeds is reviewed.