Characterization of phytotoxins from phytopathogenic fungi and their potential use as herbicides in integrated crop management

Abstract

The human-versus-weed battle began with the advent of agriculture when weed diffusion first caused great damage to agricultural fields, forests, and parks; important economical infrastructures; archaeological sites; and monumental areas. In fact, many plants of agrarian and forestal interest may die when weeds grow in the same field, causing heavy losses to crop production and reforestation. Weeds represent a serious problem to normal agrarian activities where their spread also reduces pasture areas, leading to reductions in animal food.