Development of Tobacco Mild Green Mosaic Tobamovirus as a Bioherbicide for the Invasive Weed Tropical Soda Apple

Tropical soda apple is an invasive weed that imposes a severe economic constraint on the livestock industry, threatens pristine natural areas, and imminently menaces croplands in the Southeast. The technology described herein will spur the development of an innovative, effective, environmentally beneficial, nonchemical control for this noxious weed. This research will promote the development of the world's first virus-based commercial bioherbicide that will help control this weed and provide for the economic viability of livestock production. Reduction in the use of chemical herbicides and the alleviation of the weed's encroachment into natural areas and croplands are other benefits.