# The Fungus HL-29: A Promising Weed Pathogen with Bioherbicidal Potential and Crop Safety

## TL;DR

A fungus called HL-29 can kill weeds but is safe for crops, making it a promising natural weed killer for high-altitude regions.

## Contribution

The study identifies a new strain of fungus with selective herbicidal properties suitable for alpine agriculture.

## Key findings

- HL-29 caused 100% disease incidence in three broadleaf weeds in pot trials.
- The fungus showed no pathogenicity toward seven major local crops.
- SEM imaging revealed infection-related morphological changes on weed leaves.

## Abstract

The herbicidal efficacy and crop safety of Fusarium acuminatum strain HL-29, an endophytic fungus isolated from infected Amaranthus retroflexus in Qinghai Province, were evaluated. In vitro leaf assays demonstrated its pathogenicity against four broadleaf weeds, with efficacy ranked as follows: Elsholtzia densa = Senecio vulgaris = Chenopodium album > Malva verticillata. Pot trials further confirmed that the HL-29 fermentate caused 100% disease incidence in S. vulgaris, C. album, and E. densa. Notably, the strain showed no pathogenicity toward seven major local crops, indicating excellent selectivity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed key morphological changes during the infection process on C. album leaves. These results establish F. acuminatum HL-29 as a promising biocontrol candidate against broadleaf weeds in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, providing a theoretical foundation for developing alpine-adapted mycoherbicides.