Weed-killing fungus could be new weapon in weeds control

By CnAgri2012-09-20 12:20:36 Print

Researcher Karen Bailey from Saskatoon’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has been studying a type of fungus that could potentially be used to fight broadleaf weeds without adverse effects on turf grass. The particular fungus being looked at is called Phoma macrostoma, which is a naturally occurring soil fungus that causes certain plants to die, including pesky dandelions.

Studies have shown that the fungus only moves about eight centimetres deep and less than thirty centimetres wide, making it a safer for use in areas with turf grass. The fungus is not traceable in treated soil after about a year, which allows for variety of crop to be grown again. "It turns certain plants white and eventually kills them," said Bailey, who's been researching the fungus since 1995.

The bio-pesticide has been registered in Canada and could potentially be on the market in granular form by 2014.