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Study of the Herbicidal Potential and Infestation Mechanism of Fusarium oxysporum JZ-5 on Six Broadleaved Weeds

Summary

Scientists discovered a fungal strain that effectively kills common broadleaved weeds found in farms on China’s Qinghai Plateau. The fungus, Fusarium oxysporum JZ-5, was particularly effective against henbit deadnettle and other problematic weeds while being safe for important crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes. This natural solution could replace harmful chemical herbicides and provide farmers with an environmentally friendly way to control weeds.

Background

Weeds significantly reduce crop yields and degrade ecosystem services. Chemical herbicides, the primary weed control method, pose environmental risks including water contamination and herbicide resistance development. This study explores fungal bioherbicides as sustainable alternatives for weed management in the ecologically sensitive Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region.

Objective

To isolate and characterize a pathogenic fungal strain with herbicidal potential against six broadleaved weed species, and to evaluate its safety on cultivated crops in the Qinghai region.

Results

Strain JZ-5 was identified as Fusarium oxysporum with pathogenicity rates of 23.46-86.25% against six weed species, showing highest efficacy against henbit deadnettle (86.25%). The strain demonstrated no adverse effects on hulless barley, wheat, and potato at 10⁴ spores/mL concentration. SEM revealed fungal invasion primarily through stomatal penetration with dense mycelial networks by day 7.

Conclusion

Fusarium oxysporum JZ-5 demonstrates significant bioherbicidal potential against Chenopodium album, Elsholtzia densa, and Lamium amplexicaule while maintaining safety on barley, wheat, and potato crops. This fungal strain represents a promising environmentally sustainable alternative for weed management in cultivated fields.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40732050; DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13071541
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