Effect of turfgrass mowing height on biocontrol of dandelion withSclerotinia minor
- 1 May 2006
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in Biocontrol Science and Technology
- Vol. 16 (5), 509-524
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09583150500532725
Abstract
The fungus, Sclerotinia minor Jagger is under development as a bioherbicide for control of dandelion and many broadleaf weeds in turfgrass environments. The effect of S. minor on dandelion survival was evaluated under different mowing heights and compared with a commonly used herbicide Killex™. In the greenhouse, the onset of symptoms was more rapid, foliar damage was more severe, and the reduction of aboveground biomass and root biomass was greater for the bioherbicide than the herbicide. The bioherbicide reduced root biomass ≥10-fold compared with untreated plants. Under high weed infestation levels in the field, S. minor caused a greater initial reduction of dandelion density than did the herbicide during the 2-week post-application period, although reductions were greater in herbicide treated plots by 6 weeks after application. Over the growing season, S. minor and the herbicide had similar suppressive effects on dandelion density except under the closest mowing height (3–5 cm). After treatment, close mowing favored dandelion seedling recruitment and the biocontrol had no residual activity. Survival of dandelion roots was significantly less after spring than fall treatment of S. minor and season long mowing at the close height significantly reduce root survival. Close mowing may be detrimental for S. minor applications on heavily infested domestic lawns and amenity grassland areas.Keywords
This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit:
- Sclerotinia minoravances fruiting and reduces germination in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)Biocontrol Science and Technology, 2005
- Cultural Management of Weeds in TurfgrassCrop Science, 2003
- Combining physical, cultural and biological methods: prospects for integrated non‐chemical weed management strategiesWeed Research, 2003
- Influence of mechanical cutting and pathogen application on the performance and nutrient storage of Cirsium arvenseJournal of Applied Ecology, 2003
- Clipping Management and Nitrogen Fertilization of TurfgrassCrop Science, 2002
- Plant Growth Regulator and Mowing Height Effects on Seasonal Root Growth of Penncross Creeping BentgrassCrop Science, 2001
- Canopy Microenvironments and Applied Bacteria Population Dynamics in Shaded Tall FescueCrop Science, 2000
- Influence of phenology, defoliation, andSclerotinia sclerotiorumon regrowth potential ofRanunculus acrisNew Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1998
- Seasonal dynamics of carbohydrate and nitrogenous components in the roots of perennial weedsPlant, Cell & Environment, 1990
- Epidemiology of Diseases Caused bySclerotiniaSpeciesPhytopathology®, 1979