title: Production of Colletotrichum truncatum for use as a mycoherbicide: effects of culture, drying and storage on recovery and efficacy.
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.
authors.affiliation: Fermentation Biochemistry Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA, Peoria, IL 61604, USA.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Silman
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bothast
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Schisler