Abstract: A stabilized, granular, biocontrol agent formulation for agricultural pests relies upon a combination of a water absorbent material, a membrane stabilization agent, and a granulating agent to achieve the desired stability and free-flowing properties. The granular product is easily prepared by simple mixing and can be readily rehydrated into a sprayable composition.

Abstract: Methods for the biological control of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) using the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria have been developed. In typical applications, conidia of the fungus are applied by means of a liquid surfactant to kudzu in amounts effective to produce plant lesions which kill or suppress the kudzu. A strain of M. verrucaria is on deposit with the Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., and with the patent collection of the International Mycological Institute in surrey, UK, where it has been assigned deposit number IMI 368023.

Abstract: Granules of encapsulated living organisms for controlling agricultural pests are provided having a coating of an invert oil that forms a water-in-oil emulsion and an adsorbent for the oil to make the coated granules free-flowing. The oil slows drying of the organisms to maintain vitality of the organisms. The coated granules are produced by encapsulating bacteria, fungi or nematodes that control agricultural pests in alginate, starch or wheat gluten to form granules, coating the granules with a water-in-oil emulsion of the invert oil, coating the granules with the adsorbent for the oil and drying the coated granules to about 1-10% moisture. The adsorbent can be hydrated silica, fumed silica, clay, bran, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, absorbent starch or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: It has been discovered that AAL-toxin, a known host-specific phytotoxin produced by Alternaria alternate f. Sp. lycopersici, has a broad range as a pre-emergent or post-emergent bioherbicide. A method using AAL-toxin has been developed for controlling certain weeds, including duckweeds, jimsonweed, black nightshade, prickly sida, redroot pigweed and northern jointvetch. This phytotoxin can be used pure, as a cell-free filtrate, a crude filtrate, or a crude suspension of the culture.

Abstract: Weed pathogenic fungi to be encapsulated in a wheat gluten matrix are blended with flour and water to make a cohesive dough. The dough is extruded, rolled out into a sheet, or otherwise shaped, and dried to form products that contain the fungi entrapped throughout the gluten matrix. The encapsulated fungi grow onto the surface of said products when provided with sufficient light and water. The products of this invention may be used to infect and kill weeds.

Abstract: A strain of Colletotrichum trancatum has been discovered which is selectively pathogenic toward hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata). Formulations incorporating propagules of the fungal pathogen are useful for biological control of the hemp sesbania weed, particularly in agriculatural fields.