Host Range and Virulence of a Fungal Pathogen for Control of Giant Salvinia (<i>Salvinia molesta</i>)

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.