Field evaluation of Sclerotium rolfsii, a biological control agent for broadleaf weeds in dry, direct-seeded rice

The fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii isolate SC64 is being assessed as the basis for a mycoherbicide for biological control of broadleaf weeds in dry-seeded rice fields. Species tested for susceptibility in the field included Cyperus difformis, Lindernia procumbens, Rotala rotundifolia, Ammannia baccifera and Eclipta prostrata. Following preliminary small plot field applications in summer 2008 and 2010, applications of fungus-infested solid substrates (mixture of rice hulls and bran) of 60-140 g m⁻² were conducted at two sites, Nantong and Rugao, in Jiangsu province, China in summer 2010. The sites included a one-year fallow field and a wheat-rice rotation field. Plant mortality was recorded 7 and 14 days after inoculation (DAI). Percentage mortality ranged from 50 to 89% and 30-71% in the 2008 and 2010 solarium small plot trials, respectively. At the Nantong site field trial, 30-60% plant mortality and 31-59% fresh weight reduction were recorded at 14 DAI when applied for the first time but the efficacy increased to 39-86% and 42-90% for plant mortality and fresh weight reduction at 14 DAI with a repeated application. Higher levels of plant mortality (42-77%) and fresh weight reduction (52-82%) were achieved at 14 DAI at the Rugao site with a single treatment, due to the lower weed density and more favourable temperature and humidity conditions at the time of pathogen application. Results confirmed that S. rolfsii SC64 is a potential biocontrol agent of some of the broadleaf weeds tested in dry-seeded rice.