Microbial Herbicides for Weed Management: Prospects, Progress and Constraints

Application of microbial herbicides for the management of agricultural weeds is an eco-friendly approach. A worldwide programme has been growing up to control the invasive weed species for the better crop production and stable ecosystem. Classical bio-control approach is not at all successful over the bio-herbicide approach. Although, a number of microbial herbicide has been developed to till date, only a few of them are available in commercial forms due to several constraints in the formulation, application and commercialization. Biocontrol agents probably fail to be marketed internationally as these are living organisms and are fearful to introduce them from foreign countries. Screening and genetic modification of potent microbial species are highly encouraged for a better commercial mycoherbicide development.