Technology Description:
ARS scientists have discovered a family of natural products that are able to combat Oscillatoria Perornata (O. Perornata), a bacteria which produces a musty odor in aquaculture ponds. This invention is also able to eliminate blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produces the compounds geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol responsible for musty odor and off-flavor in catfish. Managed bodies of water (ponds, lakes, rivers, streams) that are subject to public use or consumption can also benefit from treatment with these novel compounds. Diuron is typically the only herbicide used to control blue-green algae, and is considered a possible carcinogen. It also tends to be more persistent in the environment, taking up to two weeks to break down as compared to an average of nineteen hours for the compounds of the invention. This new technology can serve as a safer alternative to Diuron to prevent off-flavor in catfish. It is also more selective towards blue-green algae. While this new technology does require Environmental Protection Agency approval, it is naturally based and is considered non-carcinogenic.
ARS’s new technology provides an effective way to eliminate O. Perornata and blue-green algae.
Reference:
Please refer to USPN 6,949,250 (Docket #0049.00), "Selective Algaecides for Control of Cyanochloronta," which issued on September 27, 2005. Foreign rights are available.
Inventors:
Kevin Schrader Natural Products Utilization Research Thad Cockran Research Center University, MS 38677-8048 (662) 915-1144 / Fax: (662) 915-1035 kschrader@ars.usda.gov |
N. P. Dhammika Nanayakkar (Same as first inventor) (662) 915-1019 |
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