Towards the biocontrol of bindweeds with a mycoherbicide

Within the framework of the European COST Action 816, a five-year collabora tion between scientists from five European countries has made an important contribution to biological control of field and hedge bindweeds (Convolvulu s arvensis and Calystegia sepium, respectively). A fungus Stagonospora conv olvuli strain LA39, able to infect both field and hedge bindweed, was found in the UK and its biocontrol efficacy improved by optimising mass producti on, formulation and storage techniques. This fungus controlled bindweeds in both a cemetery and in maize crops. Its use fits best in an integrated pes t management system where a green cover controls most of the weeds except t he bindweeds. DNA marker analyses indicate that the fungus reproduces sexua lly, which could be used to further improve this mycoherbicide. In addition , the insect Melanagromyza albocilia, which itself exhibits biocontrol pote ntial against bindweeds, may be used in combination with LA39 to improve th e ability of the fungus to penetrate the stem of bindweeds. Overall, the re sults suggest that S. convolvuli LA39 has promising potential as a bioherbi cide for control of field and hedge bindweed.