Bioherbicidal concept: A novel strategy to control weeds

Abstract

Weeds have the potential to reduce the yield or quality of crops and produce a damaging effect on economic, social or conservation values. As peoples are more aware about environmental conservation, pressure is mounting for the development of effective and environment-friendly approaches to control weeds, on the scientists and active researchers in biological control field. Phytopathogenic microorganisms or microbial compounds, known as bioherbicides, for the biocontrol of weeds are most prominent alternative to minimize the hazardous chemicals/herbicides. Besides consistent research efforts and attempts in the area of bioherbicides throughout the globe, only 17 mycoherbicides have been registered worldwide. Advancement to develop mycoherbicides is relatively in suspended phase due to various restrictions like biological, economic and regulatory factors. Although only few bioherbicides are available in the market, biological control technology will be the leading approach to control unwanted plants. As the use of toxic herbicides is less desired because of their negative impact on crops, environment, ecosystem and human being, more funding needs to be applied to encourage researches for bioherbicides. In this review, we are concerned with various types of strategies, formulation of bioherbicides, steps in the development of mycoherbicide and constraints.