Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Saccardo as biological control agent of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) in rice fields

Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) is one of the most important weeds of the world. Fungal pathogens can be exploited as biological agents for the management of agricultural weeds. In this research, Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Saccardo was isolated from Echinochloa crus-galli and studied as a biocontrol agent against this weed in rice fields. Pathogenicity test of isolates was done in desiccators and revealed the pathogenicity of this fungus and its ability to cause leaf blight on Echinochloa crus-galli. Inoculation was done using a spore suspension consisting of 10 5 spores/ ml distilled water and 1% Tween-20 at the 2-3-leaf stage. Also, inhibition of seed germination test was done. The results indicated that Fusarium equiseti is able to infect Echinochloa crus-galli in a higher rate comparing with rice cultivar. Moreover, the results showed that seed germination of Echinochloa crus-galli was not significantly affected by Fusarium equiseti in comparison with controls. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method gave two groups. Hence Fusarium equiseti can be considered as a probable bioherbicide for controlling of Echinochloa crus-galli at the 23-leaf stage of growth of weed.