Biological control of knapweed by Pythium rostratum

摘要

A biologically pure culture of Pythium rostratum is disclosed which produces zoosporangia which produce zoospores capable of killing knapweed. Also disclosed is a method for killing knapweed, comprising: (a) growing Pythium rostratum which selectively kills knapweed on a carrier saturated with a liquid nutrient capable of supporting Pythium rostratum growth and the production of zoosporangia; and (b) applying the Pythium rostratum carrier to knapweed-infested land under moisture and temperature conditions sufficient to support Pythium rostratum growth and zoospore release by the zoosporangia, such that the zoospores are produced which are capable of killing knapweed.