| Biocontrol of saffron thistle
Research Supervisors:
Dr Gavin Ash, Dr Alex Nikandrow
Research Staff:
Mr Nigel Crump
Funding:
$54,000 (Farrer Centre, CRCWMS)
Duration:
1994-1998
Project Summary:
Saffron thistle is one of the most important weeds
of pasture in Australia. Species of an indigenous
fungus have been found to be pathogenic against
saffron thistle. This research aims to study the
biological control of saffron thistle using this fungus in
an inundative strategy. Studies revolve around epidemiology, genetics of the fungus and
formulation. The fungus has been found to kill saffron
thistle within four days of inoculation and has been found
to be equally effective against a range of other
weeds including noogoora burr and bathurst burr.
The epidemiological parameters required for
infection have also been defined. The fungus is unrelated
to other species of Phomopsis known to cause
diseases of field crops in Australia. This pathogen shows
great promise as a basis of a mycoherbicide.
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