ARS | Publication request: Drying and formulation of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris: A microbial bioherbicide of Hydrilla verticillata

Submitted to: Weed Science Society of America Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 13, 2009
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Mycoleptodiscus terrestris is a natural plant pathogen of the invasive aquatic weed, Hydrilla verticillata. Previous research has shown M. terrestris to be effective in aquarium and field assays in controlling the invasive weed. For M. terrestris to become a commercially feasible method of Hydrilla control, methods to produce, formulate, and disperse infective propagules need to be developed. Our current research tackles these scale-up issues as we go from lab to large-scale production. 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. Different drying processes have been evaluated to optimize drying survival. In addition, analysis of the chemical composition of the microsclerotia suggests the membrane stabilizers trehalose and mannitol are important to its drying tolerance and may be useful as quality control indicators.