Patent

1. A method of controlling moss growth, comprising applying Coniothyrium minitans to an area to be kept free from mosses;

wherein the area to be kept free from mosses is a plant-free place.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein spores of Coniothyrium minitans are used.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the application takes place onto a roof of a house.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the application is effected on a paved area or place where mosses have a tendency to colonize joints or undesired gaps.

5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the paved area or place is tiled, cobbled or asphalted.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the application of Coniothyrium minitans takes place in combination with at least one herbicide which is active against mosses.

7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the herbicide is selected from the group consisting of dodecyldimethylammonium chloride, ACN (2-amino-3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinone), carfentrazone-ethyl, lauroyl methyl-[beta]-alanine-sodium, ferrous ammonium sulfate, copper hydroxide, mancozeb, propineb, oxadiazone, formaldehyde and chlorothalonil.

8. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the application of Coniothyrium minitans and at least one herbicide takes place simultaneously or alternatingly.

9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the Coniothyrium minitans is applied in a formulation comprising between about 1×10 7 and about 1×10 15 spores Coniothyrium minitans per gram of formulation, and the formulation application rate is between 2 and 2000 kg/ha.

10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the formulation comprises between 1×10 7 and 1×10 10 spores Coniothyrium minitans per gram of formulation.

11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the Coniothyrium minitans is Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 with Accession Number DSM9660 or a mutant thereof having the same properties in respect of moss growth.

12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the Coniothyrium minitans is formulated on a carrier.

13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the carrier is glucose or dextrose.

14. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the Coniothyrium minitans is formulated as spores on the carrier at a concentration of between about 1×10 7 and about 1×10 15 spores/g carrier.

15. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the Coniothyrium minitans is applied as a drench.