Summary
This 1987 field study examined how glyphosate herbicide application affects root colonization by Fusarium spp. in common weeds and soil fungal propagule density across two contrasting weed communities. Whilst glyphosate significantly increased Fusarium colonization in several weed species and elevated soil fungal propagules at both sites, subsequent crop establishment in fields with annual weeds was not adversely affected, suggesting limited practical consequence for crop health under those conditions.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Canada and findings are most directly applicable to temperate North American conditions. The results may have limited direct transferability to United Kingdom farming systems, though the underlying mechanisms of herbicide–pathogen interactions remain relevant; UK growers using glyphosate in similar weed management contexts would benefit from local validation of these findings, particularly given differences in weed flora and soil conditions.
Key measures
Fusarium spp. colonization levels in root tissue of specific weed species (Ranunculus repens, Holcus lanatus, Stellaria media, Plantago lanceolata, Spergula arvensis, Echinochloa crusgalli, Chenopodium album, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Polygonum persicaria); colony-forming units of Fusarium spp. per gram dried soil; crop emergence and establishment
Outcomes reported
The study measured Fusarium spp. root colonization of different weed species and soil propagule density (colony-forming units per gram dried soil) following glyphosate application at two field sites. Subsequent crop emergence and establishment were also assessed.
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