Stagonospora convolvuli LA39 for biocontrol of field bindweed infesting cotoneaster in a cemetery

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L,) infests roadsides, hedges, and parks, and is difficult to control with herbicides. In this work, the potential of the mycoherbicide Stagonospora convolvuli Dearness & House strain LA39 for use as a biological control of field bindweed was tested in a cemetery, where a groundcover of cotoneaster was extensively infested by the weed. Application of S. convolvuli resulted in extensive necrosis of field bindweed leaves within 20 days, and necrosis became more extensive in the 20 following days. Bindweed density decreased continuously to about half of that in the uninoculated control plots within 40 days after application. No effect on emergence of field bindweed was observed in the year following the application of S. convolvuli, In conclusion, S, convolvuli may be useful as a mycoherbicide for the control of field bindweed in amenity areas but it would need to be applied every year.