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doi: 10.5772/32705
Microbial weed control represents an innovative means to manage troublesome weeds and utilize the naturally occurring biological herbicides produced by soil microorganisms. These compounds kill or hinder the growth of weeds so that beneficial plant species can gain a competitive advantage. The vast diversity of microorganisms in our environment is largely untapped, and the potential discovery and characterization of these microbial compounds represents an opportunity to complement chemical herbicides, or reduce the potential for erosion or soil degradation due to tillage for weed control. Invasive weeds continue to threaten the productivity of agricultural lands and natural areas; however, for many weeds adequate, cost-effective control measures presently are not available (Jones & Sforza, 2007). Discovery of biological controls for invasive plants represents an alternative way to slow the spread of these weeds using natural enemies (Jones & Sforza, 2007). Further advances in microbial genetics will continue to improve our understanding of the wealth of genetic diversity and potential in the soil and to better use plant-microbe interactions. The development of biocontrol agents would lessen the need for chemical herbicides and provide greater options for weed management. Microbes have a place in integrated, ecologically based weed management and their potential is only just being realized.
citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 14 | |
popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |