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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #297834
Title: Compatibility of OMRI certified surfactants with three entomopathogenic fungi

Author
item Dunlap, Christopher
item Behle, Robert
item Jackson, Mark

Submitted to: Biocontrol Science and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/26/2013
Publication Date: 3/10/2014
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/60316
Citation: Dunlap, C.A., Behle, R.W., Jackson, M.A. 2014. Compatibility of OMRI certified surfactants with three entomopathogenic fungi. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 24(4):436-447.

Interpretive Summary: This research determined the compatibility and physical properties of a group of surfactants that are certified for use in organic production systems. Organic production systems require all inputs to meet the National Organic Standards. This standard limits the types of ingredients that can be used in pest control formulations. The compatibility of the surfactants was tested for use with three beneficial microorganisms used to control insect pests. The results show some of the surfactants are not compatible with these types of microorganisms. These results will allow us to more quickly design new biopesticide formulations to control the insect. This research benefits biological control manufacturers and organic farmers by reducing the technical hurdles in developing new pest control products for use in organic systems.

Technical Abstract: The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a nonprofit organization providing an independent review of products intended for use in organic production systems to certify compliance with U.S. National organic standards. Since all adjuvants to be used in organic agriculture production are required to meet these standards, there certified list of products is a convenient starting point when developing organic pest control formulations. In the current study, six OMRI certified surfactants are tested for their compatibility with three common entomopathogens: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium brunneum,and Isaria fumosorosea. The fungi were evaluated in two common propagule forms, solid-state produced conidia and liquid-media produced blastospores. The results show most of the surfactants are compatible with the fungi at a high surfactant concentration (2% w/v). In general, the conidia showed a higher susceptibility (greater reduction in spore germination) to the surfactants than the blastospores under these conditions. In addition, the surface tension and foaming properties of the surfactants was determined. The study provides a convenient starting point for surfactant selection for entomopathogenic fungi formulations for use in organic production systems.