Microbiological Control of the Aquatic Weed, 'Myriophyllum Spp.'

摘要

Bacteria, fungi and blue-green algae normally associated with the phyllosphere of Myriophyllum heterophyllum and Myriophyllum spicatum are among the principal decomposers of senescent plants. Stripped of this flora by various sterilizing techniques, the Myriophyllum extended its life by one third. The saprophytic process of decomposition was accelerated to pathogenesis by selecting from the community of microbial decomposers isolates which, when cultured on the appropriate cellulose and pectin media, could be induced to produce enzymes lytic to these tissues and ultimately lethal to the plant. The results suggest that microorganisms native to the Myriophyllum ecosystem, selected for specific plant tissue attack, offer a promising avenue for the biological control of these aquatic nuisance plants.