Abstract: This invention relates to alginate gel pellets containing living fungus capable of producing conidia when exposed to sufficient light and moisture. Fungi are selected and grown for sufficient time to produce inoculum. The fungus cultures are harvested and homogenized for approximately 30 seconds and diluted to a ratio of about 1:3 (v/v) with 1.33% (w/v) sodium alginate in distilled water producing a final concentration of 1.0% sodium alginate and pH of 6.6 to 7.3. Pelletization is then accomplished by dropwise addition into 0.25M CaCl.sub.2 in water. The resultant alginate gel pellets of approximately 3 to 5 mm in diameter can then be dried and used to inoculate agriculture fields to kill selected weeds.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 6, 1985
Date of Patent:
January 12, 1988
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
Inventors:
Harrell L. Walker, William J. Connick, Jr., Paul C. Quimby, Jr., Harrell L. Walker, William J. Connick, Jr., Paul C. Quimby, Jr.