Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Towards the biocontrol of bindweeds with a mycoherbicide

  • Published:
BioControl Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Within the framework of the European COST Action 816, afive-year collaboration between scientists from five Europeancountries has made an important contribution to biologicalcontrol of field and hedge bindweeds (Convolvulus arvensis andCalystegia sepium, respectively). A fungus Stagonosporaconvolvuli strain LA39, able to infect both field and hedgebindweed, was found in the UK and its biocontrol efficacyimproved by optimising mass production, formulation and storagetechniques. This fungus controlled bindweeds in both a cemeteryand in maize crops. Its use fits best in an integrated pestmanagement system where a green cover controls most of the weedsexcept the bindweeds. DNA marker analyses indicate that thefungus reproduces sexually, which could be used to furtherimprove this mycoherbicide. In addition, the insect Melanagromyzaalbocilia, which itself exhibits biocontrol potential againstbindweeds, may be used in combination with LA39 to improve theability of the fungus to penetrate the stem of bindweeds.Overall, the results suggest that S. convolvuli LA39 haspromising potential as a bioherbicide for control of field andhedge bindweed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Asano, N., A. Kato, Y. Yokoyama, M. Miyauchi, M. Yamamoto, H. Kizu and K. Matsui, 1996. Calystegin N1, a novel nortropane alkaloid with a bridgehead amino group from Hyoscyamus niger: Structure determination and glycosidase inhibitory activities. Carbohydrate Research 284: 169–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bakke, A.L. and W.G. Gaessler, 1945. The effect of reduced light intensity on aerial and subterranean parts of European bindweed. Plant Physiology 20: 247–257.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boivin, C., C. Malpica, C. Rosenberg, A. Goldmann, V. Fleury, M. Maille, B. Message, N. Pamboukdjian and D. Tepfer, 1990. Catabolism of the plant secondary metabolites calystegins and trigonelline by Rhizobium meliloti. Symbiosis 9: 147–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boldt, P.E. and R. Sobhian, 1993. Release and establishment of Aceria malherbae (Acari: Eriophyidae) for control of field bindweed in Texas. Environmental Entomology 22: 234–237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourdot, G.W., D.J. Saville, G.A. Hurell, I.C. Harvey and M.D. De Jong, 2000. Risks analysis of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum for biological control of Cirsium arvense in pasture: Sclerotium survival. Biocontrol Science and Technology 10: 411–425.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brosten, B.S. and D.C. Sands, 1986. Field trials of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to control Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). Weed Science 34: 377–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burgos, N.T. and R.E. Talbert, 1996. Weed control and sweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa) response in a no-till system with cover crops. Weed Science 44: 355–361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Charudattan, R., 1991. The mycoherbicide approach with plant pathogens. In: D.O. TeBeest (ed), Microbial control of weeds. Chapman Hall, New York. pp. 24–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connick, W.J., C.D. Boyette and J.R. McAlpine, 1991. Formulation of mycoherbicides using a pasta-like process. Biological Control 1: 281–287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connick, W.J. Jr., D.J. Daigle, A.B. Pepperman, K.P. Hebbar, R.D. Lumsden, T.W. Anderson and D.C. Sands, 1998. Preparation of stable, granular formulations containing Fusarium oxysporum pathogenic to narcotic plants. Biological Control 13: 79–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Craemer, C., 1995. Host specificity, and release in South Africa, of Aceria malherbae Nuzzaci (Acari: Eriophyidae), a natural enemy of Convolvulus arvensis L. (Convolvulaceae). African Entomology 3: 213–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dräger, B., 1995. Identification and quantification of calystegines, polyhydroxyl nortropane alkaloids. Phytochemical Analysis 6: 31–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fellows, L.E., G.C. Kite, R.J. Nash, M.S.J. Simmonds and A.M. Scofield, 1992. Distribution and biological activity of alkaloidal glycosidase inhibitors from plants. In: K. Mengel and D.J. Pilbeam (eds), Nitrogen metabolism of plants. Clarendon Press, Oxford. pp. 271–282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frazier, J.C., 1943. Amount, distribution, and seasonal trend of certain organic reserves in the root system of field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis L. Plant Physiology 18: 167–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garibay S.V., 1996. Maize production in living mulches in a humid temperate climate. PhD Dissertation No. 11655, ETH Zürich, Switzerland. 120 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garibay, S.V., P. Stamp, H.U. Ammon and B. Feil, 1997. Yield and quality components of silage maize in killed and live cover crop sods. European Journal of Agronomy 6: 179–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldmann, A., B. Message, D. Tepfer, R.J. Molyneux, O. Duclos, F. Boyer, Y.T. Pan and A. Elbein, 1996. Biological activities of the nortropane alkaloid, calystegine B2 and analogs: structure-function relationships. Journal of Natural Products 59: 1137–1142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greaves, M.P., P.J. Holloway and B.A. Auld, 1998. Formulation of microbial herbicides. In: H.D. Burges (ed), Formulation of microbial biopesticides, beneficial organisms and nematodes. Kluwer Academic Press, Dordrecht. pp. 203–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greaves, M.P., R.J. Pring and J. Lawrie, 2000. A proposed mode of action for oil-based formulations of microbial herbicides. Biocontrol Science and Technology (in press).

  • Guntli, D., 1998. Biological control of bindweeds using a mycoherbicide, plant competitors and a rhizobacterium degrading alkaloids. PhD Dissertation No. 12804, ETH Zürich, Switzerland. 134 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guntli, D., H.A., Pfirter, Y. Moënne-Loccoz and G. Défago, 1998. Stagonospora convolvuli LA39 for biocontrol of field bindweed infesting cotoneaster in a cemetery. HortScience 33: 860–861.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guntli D, S. Burgos, I. Kump, M. Heeb, H.A. Pfirter and G. Défago, 1999a. Biological control of hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) with mycoherbicide Stagonospora convolvuli strain LA39 in combination with competition from red clover (Trifolium pratense). Biological Control 15: 252–258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guntli, D., S. Burgos, Y. Moënne-Loccoz and G. Défago, 1999b. Calystegine degradation capacities of microbial rhizosphere communities of Zea mays (calystegine-negative) and Calystegia sepium (calystegine-positive). FEMS Microbiology Ecology 28: 75–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guntli, D., M. Heeb, Y. Moënne-Loccoz and G. Défago, 1999c. Contribution of calystegine catabolic plasmid to competitive colonization of calystegine-producing plants by Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm41. Molecular Ecology 8: 855–863.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guyon, P., A. Petit, J. Tempé and Y. Dessaux, 1993. Transformed plants producing opines specifically promote growth of opine-degrading agrobacteria. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 6: 92–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, J.K. and N.L. Hartwig, 1990. Triazine herbicide fate in a no-tillage corn (Zea mays L.)-crownvetch (Coronilla varia L.) ‘living mulch’ system. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 30: 281–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartwig, U.A., C.M. Joseph and D.A. Phillips, 1990. Flavonoids released naturally from alfalfa seeds enhance growth rate of Rhizobium meliloti. Plant Physiology 95: 797–803.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heiny, D.K., 1994. Field survival of Phoma proboscis and synergism with herbicides for control of field bindweed. Plant Disease 78: 1156–1164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Julien, M.H. and M.W. Griffiths (eds), 1998. Biological control of weeds, 4th edn. CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein, T.A., B.A. Auld and F. Wang, 1995. Evaluation of oil suspension emulsions of Colletotrichum orbiculare as a mycoherbicide in field trials. Crop Protection 14: 193–196.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klimeš, L. and J. Klimešová, 1994. Biomass allocation in a clonal vine: effects of intraspecific competition and nutrient availability. Folia Geobotanica Phytotaxonomica 29: 237–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawrie, J., M.P. Greaves, V. Down and A. Chassot, 1997. Some aspects of spray droplet size in distribution, germination of and infection by mycoherbicide spores. Aspects of Applied Biology 48: 175–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maillet, J., 1988. Les liserons. Phytoma 339: 11–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • McClay, A.S., J.L. Littlefield and J. Kashefi, 1999. Establishment of Aceria malherbae (Acari: Eriophyidae) as a biological control agent for field bindweed (Convolvulaceae) in the Northern Great Plains. Canadian Entomologist 131: 541–547.

    Google Scholar 

  • Molyneux, R.J., Y.T. Pan, A. Goldmann, D. Tepfer and D.A. Elbein, 1993. Calystegines, a novel class of alkaloid glycosidase inhibitors. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 304: 81–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morin, L., A.K. Watson, and R.D. Reeleder, 1990a. Effect of dew, and spray additives on infection of field bindweed by Phomopsis convolvulus. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology 12: 48–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morin, L., A.K. Watson and R.D. Reeleder, 1990b. Production of conidia by Phomopsis convolvulus. Canadian Journal of Microbiology 36: 86–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Schärer, H. and P.C. Scheepens, 1997. Biological control of weeds in crops: A coordinated European research programme (COST-816). Integrated Pest Management Reviews 2: 45–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nash, R.J., M. Rothschild, E.A. Porter, A.A. Watson, R.D. Waight and P.G. Waterman, 1993. Calystegines in Solanum and Datura species and the death's-head hawk-moth (Acherontia atropus). Phytochemistry 34: 1281–1283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicolet, B., 1999. Isolement et Identification de Métabolites Secondaires de Deux Souches du Champignon Stagonospora sp., Agent Pathogène du Liseron des Haies (Calystegia sepium) et du Liseron des Champs (Convolvulus arvensis). PhD Dissertation, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. 224 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicolet, B. and R. Tabacchi, 1999. Secondary metabolites produced by Stagonospora sp., a potential biocontrol agent against bindweeds. In: H. Lyr, P.E. Russell and H.D. Sisler (eds), Modern fungicides and antifungal compounds II. Intercept Limited, Andover, United Kingdom. pp. 469–476.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oger, P., A. Petit and Y. Dessaux, 1997. Genetically engineered plants producing opines alter their biological environment. Nature Biotechnology 15: 369–372.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ormeno-Nunez, J., R.D. Reeleder and A.K. Watson, 1998. A foliar disease of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) caused by Phomopsis convolvulus. Plant Disease 72: 338–342.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrini, O., P.J. Fisher and L.E. Petrini, 1992. Fungal endophytes of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), with some reflections on their use in biological control. Sydowia 44: 282–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfirter, H.A., H.U. Ammon, D. Guntli, M.P. Greaves and G. Défago, 1997. Towards the management of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) with fungal pathogens and cover crops. Integrated Pest Management Reviews 2: 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfirter H.A. and G. Défago, 1998. The potential of Stagonospora sp. as a mycoherbicide for field bindweed. Biocontrol Science and Technology 8: 93–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfirter, H.A., F. Marquis and G. Défago, 1999a. Genetic and pathogenic characterisation of different Stagonospora sp. isolated from field bindweed. Biocontrol Science and Technology 9: 555–566.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfirter H.A., D. Guntli, M. Ruess and G. Défago, 1999b. Mass production, storage and preservation of Stagonospora convolvuli strain LA39 pathogenic on field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). BioControl 44: 437–447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Potyka, I., 1995. Formulation of microbial herbicides. PhD Dissertation, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ridings, W.H., 1986. Biological control of stranglervine in citrus-a researcher's view. Weed Science 34: 31–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, S.S. and R.G. Buckingham, 1982. Natural enemies of Convolvulus arvensis in western Mediterranean Europe. Hilgardia 5: 1–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, S.S. and B.E. Platts, 1990. Host specificity of Aceria (Eriophyes) malherbae (Acari: Eriophyidae), a biological control agent for weed, Convolvulus arvensis (Convolvulaceae). Entomophaga 35: 459–463.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savka, M.A. and S.K. Farrand, 1997. Modification of rhizobacterial populations by engineering bacterium utilisation of a novel plant-produced resource. Nature Biotechnology 15: 363–368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spencer, K.A., 1973. Agromyzidae (Diptera) of economic importance. Dr. W. Junk B.V., The Hague.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tepfer, D., A. Goldmann, F. Fleury, M. Maille, B. Message, N. Pamboukdjian, C. Boivin, J. Dénarie, C. Rosenberg, J.Y. Lallemand, C. Descoins, I. Charpin, and N. Amarger, 1988a. Calystegins, nutritional mediators in plant-microbe interactions. In: R. Palacios and D.P.S. Verma (eds), Molecular genetics of plant-microbe interactions. APS Press, St. Paul, Minnesota. pp. 139–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tepfer, D., A. Goldmann, N. Pamboudjikan, M. Maille, A. Lepingle, D. Chevalier, J. Dénarié and D. Rosenberg, 1988b. A plasmid of Rhizobium meliloti 41 encodes catabolism of two compounds from root exudate of Calystegium sepium. Journal of Bacteriology 170: 1153–1161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Todd, F.G., F.R. Stermitz, P. Schultheis, A.P. Knight and J. Traub-Dargatz, 1995. Tropane alkaloids and toxicity of Convolvulus arvensis. Phytochemistry 39: 301–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tóth, P., 2000. Insects-a rresh perspective in the biological control of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.). PhD Dissertation, Slovak Agricultural University, Nitra. Slovakia. 229 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tóth, P., M. Vráblová and L. Cagán, 1998. First record of Melanagromyza albocilia (Agromyzidae, Diptera) from Slovakia. Biologia 53: 604.

    Google Scholar 

  • van Ast, A. and J.M. van Groenendael, 1993. The population dynamics of the pseudo-annual Calystegia sepium (bindweed): A troublesome weed in the Netherlands. Mededelingen van de Faculteit Landbouwwetenschappen Rijksuniversiteit Gent 58: 973–981.

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatasubbaiah, P., A.B.A.M. Baudoin and W.S. Chilton, 1992. Leaf spot of hemp dogbane caused by Stagonospora apocyni, and its phytotoxins. Journal of Phytopathology 135: 309–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogelgsand, S., A.K. Watson, A. DiTommaso and K. Hurle, 1998. Effect of the preemergence bioherbicide Phomopsis convolvulus on seedling and established plant growth of Convolvulus arvensis. Weed Research 38: 175–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogelgsang, S., A.K. Watson, A. DiTommaso and K. Hurle, 1999. Susceptibility of various accessions of Convolvulus arvensis to Phomopsis convolvulus. Biological Control 15: 25–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weaver, S.E. and W.R. Riley, 1982. The biology of Canadian weeds. 53. Convolvulus arvensis L. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 62: 461–472.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westra, P., P. Chapman, P.W. Stahlman, S.D. Miller and P.K. Fay, 1992. Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) control with various herbicide combinations. Weed Technology 6: 949–955.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Phytopathology Group, Institute of Plant Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich, Switzerland

    G. Défago, H.U. Ammon, D. Guntli, Y. Moënne-Loccoz & H.A. Pfirter

  2. Department of Plant Protection, Slovak Agricultural University, Nitra, Slovakia

    L. Cagán

  3. Fachbereich Pharmazie, Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Martin-Luther Universität, Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany

    B. Draeger & D. Hoeke

  4. Long Ashton Research Station, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bristol, Long Ashton, Bristol, UK

    M.P. Greaves & J. Lawrie

  5. Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Trebon, Czech Republic

    L. Klimes

  6. Institute of Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland

    B. Nicolet & R. Tabacchi

  7. Department of Protection and Creation of Greenness, Branch for Woody Plants Biology, Slovak Academy of Science, Nitra, Slovakia

    P. Tóth

Authors
  1. G. Défago
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. H.U. Ammon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. L. Cagán
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. B. Draeger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. M.P. Greaves
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. D. Guntli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. D. Hoeke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. L. Klimes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. J. Lawrie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Y. Moënne-Loccoz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. B. Nicolet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. H.A. Pfirter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. R. Tabacchi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  14. P. Tóth
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. Défago.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Défago, G., Ammon, H., Cagán, L. et al. Towards the biocontrol of bindweeds with a mycoherbicide. BioControl 46, 157–173 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011441816615

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011441816615

Search

Navigation