Influence of a non-copper algicide on the cyanobacterium, Nostoc spongiaeforme, and the green alga, Hydrodictyon reticulatum, in field and laboratory experiments

Abstract

Cyanobacteria and algae grow in California rice fields where they form large mats that may smother seedlings or cause them to dislodge, resulting in reduced rice stand establishment and potential yield loss. The most troublesome species of cyanobacteria is Nostoc spongiaeforme. It is very difficult to control using currently accepted methods, i.e., aerial applications of copper sulfate. A non-copper algicide, the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall has been suggested as an alternative method for controlling nuisance cyanobacterial and algal growths in California rice fields. The purpose of the experiments described here was to evaluate the effect of the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall on growth of N. spongiaeforme and the green alga, Hydrodictyon reticulatum. In laboratory experiments, the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall reduced N. spongiaeforme growth at 0.3 mg L−1. This effect was removed when rice straw was added to the growth medium, indicating that the rice straw may have introduced bacteria capable of degrading the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall. In outdoor experiments, which used rice field water containing decomposing rice straw, the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall concentrations between 0 and 5 mg L−1 had little effect on N. spongiaeforme. In contrast, H. reticulatum exhibited injury symptoms at 1 mg L−1 or greater. However, H. reticulatum recovered by the end of the 7-day exposure. It is not clear how this algicide will be useful in the management of N. spongiaeforme or H. reticulatum in California rice fields.