Production of Colletotrichum truncatum for use as a mycoherbicide: effects of culture, drying and storage on recovery and efficacy

R W Silman; R J Bothast; D A Schisler

doi:10.1016/0734-9750(93)90025-i

Production of Colletotrichum truncatum for use as a mycoherbicide: effects of culture, drying and storage on recovery and efficacy

Biotechnol Adv. 1993;11(3):561-75. doi: 10.1016/0734-9750(93)90025-i.

Authors

R W Silman¹, R J Bothast, D A Schisler

Affiliation

¹ Fermentation Biochemistry Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA, Peoria, IL 61604, USA.

PMID: 14545677
DOI: 10.1016/0734-9750(93)90025-i

Abstract

Colletotrichum truncatum (Schwein.) Andrus and Moore NRRL 13737 (= NRRL 18434) is a fungal plant pathogen which shows promise as a bioherbicide against the troublesome weed Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) Rydb. ex A. W. Hill. Previous studies showed similar amounts of spores were produced/ml of medium in liquid and solid-state fermentations. In this study, Colletotrichum truncatum spores were produced in liquid (LC), solid/vermiculite (SV), and solid/perlite-cornmeal-agar (SP). After drying at room temperature with flowing air, SV and SP retained the most viability. Each product was then stored at 4 degrees, 15 degrees, and 25 degrees C. All three products stored at 4 degrees C and SP stored at 15 degrees C retained highest viability. Efficacy based upon assays utilizing equal numbers of viable spores showed SV and SP spores incited more severe disease symptoms than LC spores.