Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #223745
Title: Scale-up and formulation of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris: A biological control agent of Hydrilla

Author
item Dunlap, Christopher
item Jackson, Mark

Submitted to: International Weed Science Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/27/2008
Publication Date: 6/23/2008
Citation: Dunlap, C.A., Jackson, M.A. 2008. Scale-up and formulation of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris: A biological control agent of Hydrilla [abstract]. International Weed Science Congress. Paper No. 161.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Mycoleptodiscus terrestris is a natural plant pathogen of the invasive aquatic weed, Hydrilla verticillata. In aquarium and field assays, it has been shown to be effective in controlling the pervasive weed. The development of M. terrestris into a commercially viable bioherbicide requires developing methods to produce, formulate, and disperse infective propagules. Our current research addresses these problems at the pilot plant scale. Microsclerotia of M. terrestris are produced in liquid culture fermentation, processed, and dried for enhanced survival. Methods and handling parameters have been developed to produce uniform sized particles which are amenable to the drying process. The drying process has been optimized to provide stabile propagules with a long shelf life. In addition, analysis of the chemical composition of the microsclerotia suggests the membrane stabilizers, trehalose and mannitol, are important to its drying tolerance.