Fungi associated with purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in Minnesota

Abstract

Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, is a major weed of wetlands throughout North America. In many sites it has established a monoculture that excludes native plants useful to wildlife. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential of fungi pathogenic to purple loosestrife that will either control or aid in controlling the plant. In a 3-year study, fungi were isolated from purple loosestrife plants at 16 sites throughout Minnesota. A total of 5265 fungal isolates were obtained. Thirty-one fungal taxa identified to 22 genera were isolated from purple loosestrife that had not previously been reported as either associated with or isolated from purple loosestrife in the United States. Fungi will be selected from among these isolates and tested for pathogenicity to purple loosestrife.

Key Words:

• biological control
• mycoherbicide
• purple loosestrife