Field Test of First Commercial Formulation of Mycoleptodiscus Terrestris (Gerd.)Ostazeski as a Blocontrol for Eurasian Watermilfoil

摘要

The plant pathogenic fungus Mycoleptodiscus Terrestris (Gerd.) Ostazeski has beenidentified as a potential biocontrol agent for the submersed aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum L. Successful tests in laboratory, pool, and pond experiments led to the development of the organism into the mycoherbicide Aqua-Fyte. Efficacy of the commercial formulation was tested on field populations of Eurasian watermilfoil in Guntersville, AL, July 1992. The mycoherbicide was ineffective in reducing above-ground biomass of milfoil under natural conditions in the field. A re-evaluation of the formulation must be undertaken to understand differences in performance of the mycoherbicide between laboratory and field trials.