Evaluation of sunlight and humidity protection of a bioherbicide for Eichornia crassipes biocontrol

Abstract

C. piaropi (Cercospora piaropi) and A. zonatum (Acremonium zonatum) have proved to be effective in reducing water hyacinth growth. However, efficacy of these fungi in field is limited by the effect of solar UV (ultraviolet) light and desiccation. In this study, three compounds used as sunscreens and one seed plant that produce mucilage were tested for their effects on the infection produced by C. piaropi and A. zonatum inoculum under laboratory and field conditions. In laboratory conditions, TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and metamucil did not inhibit C. piaropi and A. zonatum viability. Moreover, the addition of TiO2 and metamucil to the inoculum suspension increased fungi infection. The protective effect of TiO2 and metamucil was more evident when the inoculum suspension was applied 4 h before sunset. These results suggest that addition of TiO2 and metamucil provides necessary humidity and solar protection for increasing C. piaropi and A. zonatum infection on water hyacinth plants.