Host range of Cercospora piaropi and Acremonium zonatum, potential fungal biocontrol agents for waterhyacinth in Mexico

The host ranges of Cercospora piaropi and Acremonium zonatum, fungi native to Mexico and pathogens of waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), were evalu ated using 31 plant species (some with several cultivars tested) representi ng 22 families of economic and ecological importance. The results showed th at only waterlettuce (Pistia stratiotes), another abundant weed in Mexico, was infected by C. piaropi. The use of those pathogens in the biological co ntrol of waterhyacinth would not be expected to affect plants of economic a nd ecological importance in Mexico.