Assessment and evaluation of the potential of fungi agents against Parthenium ( Parthenium hysterophorus L.) Weed in relation to chemical herbicide

Abstract

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) weed is an annual herb in the family Asteraceae which is characterized by deep tap root, pale green leaves and an erect stem that becomes woody gradually. It is very harmful to human, animal, agriculture and environment. The aim of the present study is to assess and evaluate the distribution and management options of Parthenium around Gondar town. The study was conducted in around Gondar town across the peripheral roads. The study consists of field survey and evaluation of management options and it was purposeful cross sectional experimental and with quantitative study. The whole plant bioassay, leaf detached bioassay and seed germination bio assay tested by species of fungi isolated from the leaves of Parthenium weed and chemicals (Glyphosate and 2, 4-D). The most effective fungus spp. was Alternaria alternate that induced 83% leaf damaged area on the 7thday in both leaf detached bioassay and whole plant bioassay. On the seed germination bioassay the most effective was Aspergilus niger (f1) that reduce the seed germination by 76.5% followed by Alternaria alternate(f4), Fusarium solani(f2), Fusarium pallidoroseum(f6),Gliocladium virens(f3), Colleotrichum gloeosporiodies(f5),2,4-D and Glyphosate that inhibit seed germination by 71.28%, 68.23%, 64%, 60.33%, 58.5%, 39% and 38.33% respectively. The importance of this study was to introduce the management options of Parthenium weed and to decrease the impact of Parthenium weeds. The study concluded that biological management options of Parthenium weed was more effective than chemical herbicides