Fungal Pathogens of Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) in equatorial Africa as prospective weed biological control agents

Abstract

Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) is an aggressive perennial sedge in pastures and crops in the wet tropical regions of Australia and numerous Pacific Island countries and territories. A biological control program was started in Australia to look for biological control agents for C. aromaticus in its native range in equatorial Africa. Surveys in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria identified Cintractia kyllingae, Uredo kyllingae-erectae, and Curvularia tanzanica, as potential biological control agents. Cintractia kyllingae is currently under study at CABI, UK for its host specificity to C. aromaticus as a prerequisite for any future release in Australia.