Formulation and spray application-forgotten factors in the development of microbial herbicides

This paper discusses the role formulation and, especially, spray applicatio n characterisation play in determining microbial herbicide efficacy. In par ticular, the requirements to allow proper identification of plant pathogeni c organisms with real potential as reliable microbial herbicides for field application are discussed. In order to avoid false identification of potent ial, it is recommended that tests should use sprays at realistic applicatio n volumes (not to exceed 500 l ha(-1)) with a practical spray application s ystem, not an aerosol sprayer.