ARS | Publication request: Scale-up and formulation of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris: A biological control agent of Hydrilla

Submitted to: International Weed Science Congress
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: June 27, 2008
Publication Date: June 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.

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.