Author
Sheng Qiang
Email: wrl@njau.edu.cn
Nanjing Agricultural University
Nanjing, China
Abstract
Solidago canadensis is an invasive alien species native to North America that has now widely invaded East Asia, causing severe ecological consequences. Currently, chemical herbicides are primarily used for control of this weed in China, however, often leading to recurrence. The pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, isolated from Solidago canadensis, demonstrates potential to biocontrol this weed. Field trials combining granular formulations of this fungus with plowing and large-scale demonstrations achieved over 95% control efficacy or even complete eradication. Further biochemical and transcriptomic research revealed that the primary mechanism behind Sclerotium rolfsii’s effective biological control was attributed to the adaptive trade-off evolution of lignin deposition between the xylem and phloem during the vascular bundle development of introduced Solidago canadensis populations， conferring to resistance to fungus infection. Additionally, compared to chemical treatments such as glyphosate application, it could rapidly restore plant biodiversity in treated habitats. To address the drawback of weak control effect of the bioherbicide application without plowing, trials combining biological nematicides or fungicides demonstrated effective control without plowing. Moreover, biochemical and pathogenic research work revealed that this combined approach disrupted the growth-promoting interactions among nematodes, mycorrhizal fungi, and the rhizosphere of Solidago canadensis, thereby weakening its resistance to the Sclerotium rolfsii biological control agent. In summary, Sclerotium rolfsii possesses biological control potential against Solidago canadensis and may be integrated into economically efficient and safe green management of this weed.
Keywords
Sclerotium rolfsii
adaptive trade-offs
nematodes
invasive alien plants