Project Number: 3620-22410-010-05
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2007
End Date: Jun 15, 2009

Objective:
The objectives of this agreement are (1) to optimize and transfer production and stabilization processes for the fungal bioherbicide Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (MT) for commercial-scale production, and (2) use MT formulations produced at pilot- and commercial-scale for control of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) in large-scale field trials in Florida.

Approach:
In collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SePRO Corporation, dry formulations of the fungal bioherbicide Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (MT) will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this agent in controlling the invasive aquatic weed in Florida ponds and lakes. Microsclerotia of MT will be produced and stabilized using patented ARS technology. Small-scale production of MT microsclerotia for pond studies will be produced by ARS, and the production and stabilization process for this herbicide will be optimized as field trials proceed. For large-scale hydrilla control studies, MT microsclerotia will be produced by a contract fermentor following transfer of the production and stabilization technology.