Biocontrol of Hydrilla verticillata with the Endemic Fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. G. F. Joye, Research Plant Pathologist, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199, and Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803. . Plant Dis. 74:1035-1036. Accepted for publication 5 July 1990. Copyright 1990 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-74-1035.

An isolate of Macrophomina phaseolina discovered in Lake Houston, TX, caused a disease of the submersed plant Hydrilla verticillata. In repeated greenhouse and field tests, this fungus greatly reduced the biomass of hydrilla within 3–4 wk after inoculation. Pathogenicity studies indicated that this fungus may be useful as a biocontrol agent.

Keyword(s): aquatic plants, biological control, microsclerotia.