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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Frederick, Maryland » Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411154
Research Project: Discovery and Development of Microbial-Based Biological Control Agents for Use Against Invasive Weeds in the United States

Location: Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research

Title: Discovery and development of a biological control agent for invasive perilla mint management in National Parks

Author
item Fulcher, Michael

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/27/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Plant pathogens that cause disease on invasive weeds can be used in biological control programs. The fungus Colletotrichum shisoi, found naturally occurring at low levels along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, has been evaluated for safety and efficacy as a biocontrol agent of the introduced invasive plant, perilla mint (beefsteak plant; Perilla frutescens). The fungus was tested for pathogenicity to 35 plant species, including native mints and commercially important herbs, and found to infect only perilla. Infection by the fungus caused perilla seedling death, reduced flower production, and limited competitive ability. Successful applications of the fungus under field conditions significantly decreased perilla growth, survival, and reproductive potential while increasing plant diversity and non-perilla groundcover. The pathogen has an uneven distribution based on limited surveys in five park systems, making this fungus a candidate for redistribution across perilla infested areas.