Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Phytopathogenic Fungi as Biological Control Agents for Goosegrass (Eleusine indica)

This study investigated the diversity and distribution of phytopathogenic fungi associated with goosegrass (Eleusine indica), an aggressive weed in agriculture, and bioprospected fungi isolates with potential for biological control of this species. Samples showing disease symptoms were collected from Goias, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo (Brazilian states), resulting in 88 isolates, of which 50 were phytopathogenic to E. indica. A total of 26 isolates were considered more aggressive based on visual analysis and were preliminarily identified at the genus level, with an emphasis on Bipolaris, Fusarium, Curvularia, Exserohilum, and Alternaria. The influence of climatic factors, such as sunny days (UV radiation), temperature, and precipitation on fungal occurrence was analyzed. These climatic factors are critical to the presence of fungi, providing insights into their potential as biological control agents and guiding future surveys of specific genera. The number of sunny days during surveys influenced the occurrence of fungi associated with E. indica, depending on the genera of the fungi. In addition, precipitation was also a determining factor for a higher incidence of fungal isolates during periods of increased rainfall, suggesting a positive relationship between relative humidity and the dispersal or infection of phytopathogenic fungi. New tests will be conducted to confirm the potential of the identified plant phytopathogenic fungi as biological control agents against E. indica.