Abstract

Euphorbia helioscopia is commonly known weed of important crops. In addition to significant losses of the final yield this weed competes with crop population for nutrients and space. Thus, this problem needs a sustainable management approach in order to keep the environment and farmer health secure. Research trial was conducted to evaluate the inhibition potential of different fungal species (Alternaria tenuissimia, Alternaria alternate and Fusarium oxysporum) against E. helioscopia. Trial was conducted in March 2020 and designed with three treatments and five replicates. Seedlings were treated with different concentrations (1×103, 1×105, 1×107spores/ml.) of fungal spore suspensions of selected fungi. Experiment without any treatment was kept as control. Highest infection was recorded in the treatment of A. tenuissimia. Other developmental traits of the crop plants were also studied such as number of infected leaves, number of infected plants. Control experiment was remained un-infected.

Keywords: Euphorbia helioscopia; Fungal pathogens; Spore suspension, Sustainable agriculture