Abstract
A teleomorph of the fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina (Berkeley et Curtis) von Arx, (Br) was evaluated as a bioherbicide for control of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell) under greenhouse conditions and in small-scale field trials. We found that fungal mycelium was highly infective and could be rapidly produced (48+ h) in soy flour-cornmeal liquid media contained in shake flasks or fermenters. A dew period was not required to achieve infection and mortality of inoculated plants. A surfactant (Silwet L-77, a polyalkyleneoxide modified heptamethyl-trisiloxane) incorporated in the fungal formulation was required for Br to infect and kill plants. Infection and mortality occurred rapidly (within 48 h after treatment), and re-growth of treated plants did not occur. In replicated field trials, Br controlled giant salvinia ~95%. Br also infected other plants, such as common salvinia (S. minima Baker), and Azolla filiculoides Lam., as determined in ongoing host range research. However, no symptomatology was observed on several economically important crop species, such as rice (Oryza sativa L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and several woody species such as bald cypress (Taxodium distichum L.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) occurring in areas where giant salvina occurs that would be subject to contact with releases of Br. These results suggest that this teleomorph of Botryosphaeria rhodina has potential as a bioherbicide for controlling this onerous aquatic weed.
Highlights
We found that fungal mycelium was highly infective and could be rapidly produced (48+ h) in soy flour-cornmeal liquid media contained in shake flasks or fermenters
These results suggest that this teleomorph of Botryosphaeria rhodina has potential as a bioherbicide for controlling this onerous aquatic weed
Greenhouse We found that Br fungal mycelium was highly infective to host weeds and could be rapidly produced (48 h) in liquid media in shake flasks or fermenters
Summary
Some of these weeds, such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms), alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides Mart.), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes (L.), Griseb.), and giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell), relatively minor problems in their native range, have become major invasive weeds of aquatic habitats when introduced into other parts of the world [1]. Giant salvinia was first reported outside of cultivation in the US in 1995 in southeastern South Carolina [3]; the weed was subsequently reported in Texas and Louisiana in 1998 Since it has “escaped” or re-introduced and can be found as far west as the Hawaiian Islands, east into the peninsula of Florida, and north into Virginia [2] and more recently in central Mississippi [4] and Arkansas [5] [6]. Giant salvinia is often deemed one of the worst aquatic weeds worldwide [7] [8]
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