Study of the Herbicidal Potential and Infestation Mechanism of JZ-5 on Six Broadleaved Weeds.

Weeds compete with crops for resources, posing multiple negative impacts for agricultural production systems and triggering degradation of ecosystem services (e.g., alterations in the soil microbial community structure). Under the guidance of green plant protection, the development of efficient biocontrol strains with environmentally friendly characteristics has become a crucial research direction for sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to develop a fungal bioherbicide by isolating and purifying a pathogenic fungal strain (JZ-5) from infected redroot pigweed ( L.). The strain exhibited pathogenicity rates ranging from 23.46% to 86.25% against six weed species, with the most pronounced control efficacy observed against henbit deadnettle ( L.), achieving a pathogenicity rate of 86.25%. Through comprehensive characterization of cultural features, morphological observations, and molecular biological identification, the strain was taxonomically classified as . Scanning electron microscopy revealed that seven days post-inoculation, JZ-5 formed dense mycelial networks on the leaf surfaces of cluster mallow ( L.), causing severe tissue damage. Safety assessments demonstrated that the spore suspension (10 spores/mL) had no adverse effects on three crops: hulless barley ( var. L.), wheat ( L.), and potato ( L.). These findings suggest that strain JZ-5 warrants further investigation as a potential bioherbicide for controlling three problematic weed species- L. (common lambsquarters), Benth. (dense-flowered elsholtzia), and L. (henbit deadnettle)-in cultivated fields of hulless barley ( var. L.), wheat ( L.), and potato ( L.). This discovery provides valuable fungal resources for ecologically sustainable weed management strategies, contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices.