2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The overall goal of this research effort is to develop a bioherbicide formulation for weed control. Our two objectives focus on the development, assessment, and improvement of a wettable granule. These objectives are: (1) Develop a wettable granule formulation for foliar application of biological control agents. (2) Determine parameters such a UV exposure, humidity, etc., that may affect viability of biological control agents. Key features of the formulation will be cost-efficiency, improved safety, and adaptability to current application technologies. The formulation will be a wettable granule (WG) with the capacity to accommodate a variety of different micron-sized weed or insect biological control agents; however, our efforts will focus on C. gloeosporioides (C.g), a fungal weed agent, which will serve as a “model” agent. At the completion of this work, we expect to identify the best WG formulation for C.g from approximately 48 different WG formulations. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Our approach is an efficient process in which a series of tests is used to screen a large number of formulations to arrive at an optimal WG for any agent; in this case, C.g. Specifically, up to 48 WG formulations will be prepared and screened for four different physical properties. C.g will be incorporated into the top three WG formulations determined from physical property measurements. Active WGs will be screened in greenhouse/efficacy studies to identify an optimal bioherbicide WG formulation. 3.Progress Report This is a new project. It became effective March 1, 2007, replacing project 6435-22000-011-00D. A method was developed to dry fungal ingredients for use in biological control formulations. This data may be used to pursue patentability of the new drying method. In collaboration with other Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers, the compatibility of a fungal biological control agent with of various chemicals was evaluated. For each chemical investigated, the effects of concentration and bioherbicide-herbicide contact time on the fungal agent were evaluated. From this study, recommendations on a) suitable chemicals that may be co-applied with fungal-based biological control agent, b) mimimum and maximum chemical use rates that will not affect the viability of the bioherbicide, and c) the duration for which negligible changes in tank-mix efficacy may occur. A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) was initiated with a company to improve the formulation of coatings that are used to provide fungal protection of seeds. The research addresses Problem Area 1XB–Efficacy and mass production of augmentative agents under Component IX-Biological Control of Weeds of National Program 304 action plan. 4.Accomplishments None. This is a new project with new scope and objectives. 5.Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations None. 6.Technology Transfer Number of new CRADAs and MTAs 1 Number of active CRADAs and MTAs 1 Number of patent granted 1 Number of non-peer reviewed presentations and proceedings 1