Storage Stability of Dried Microsclerotia of the Biological Control Pathogen Mycoleptodiscus Terrestris
Abstract
This technical note describes storage stability of the biological control pathogen Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (Gerd.) Ostazeski (Mt). Dried microsclerotia from four different fermentation batches were harvested and stored at 4 degrees C. After varying amounts of time in storage, they were tested for efficacy against the invasive macrophyte hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle). Dried microsclerotia inoculum also proved to be efficacious on hydrilla (Shearer 2009). Sprinkled over the water surface of 55-L aquaria containing rooted hydrilla plants that had formed a canopy. The capability of microsclerotia to germinate both myceliogenically and sporogenically upon rehydration enhances the potential of Mt for use as a non-chemical biological control agent for hydrilla. While drying the fungus does not appear to impact efficacy, it is unknown how prolonged storage might affect the viability and virulence of the organism. Because shelf life is a primary consideration of bioherbicide marketability, studies were undertaken to test efficacy of dried material after various periods of cold storage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508449
Entities
People
- Judy F. Shearer
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center