Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #201766
Title: Development of Mycolepodiscus terrestris as a biological control of Hydrilla

Author
item Dunlap, Christopher
item Jackson, Mark

Submitted to: International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/27/2007
Publication Date: 4/22/2007
Citation: Dunlap, C.A., Jackson, M.A. 2007. Development of Mycolepodiscus terrestris as a biological control of Hydrilla [abstract]. XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. Paper No. 142.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In aquarium studies, Mycolepodiscus terrestris has previously been shown to be effective in controlling the invasive aquatic weed, Hydrilla. The development of M. terrestris into a commercially viable control option requires 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.