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ARS Home » Southeast Area » New Orleans, Louisiana » Southern Regional Research Center » Commodity Utilization Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #103329
Title: FORMULATION, PRODUCTION, AND SHELF LIFE OF GRANULAR BIOHERBICIDES

Author
item Connick Jr, William
item Daigle, Donald
item Jackson, Mark
item Boyette, Clyde
item HEBBAR, K - BELTSVILLE, MD

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/2/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Improved formulation technology is needed to preserve the viability of fungal weed pathogens in products with commercial potential. Shelf life of granules containing matrix-encapsulated inoculum of Fusarium oxysporum, a pathogen of coca, and Colletotrichum truncatum, a pathogen of hemp sesbania exceeded one year at 25 deg C. Factors that promoted increased shelf life were water activity (aW) of the product and choice of fungal inoculum, such as naturally-stable chlamydospores of F. oxysporum or microsclerotia of C. truncatum. Additionally, encapsulation in a matrix protected the inoculum throughout processing and storage. The matrix chosen was composed of wheat flour and kaolin ('Pesta'). The wheat flour component provided nutrients for proliferation of the fungal bioherbicide agent. Pesta granule production is now in the pilot plant stage using twin-screw extrusion and fluid bed drying equipment.