One of the leading centers for research biological control of weeds is located in the Plant Pathology Department of the University of Florida. During the past two decades Dr. R. Charudattan has developed this field, emphasizing both basic and applied aspects of research.

A major line of work in his lab is the study of pathogens of aquatic weeds such as waterhyacinth, hydrilla, and others. He, his students, and staff have developed and patented seven biocontrol agents to control major weeds in aquatic and agricultural sites. Cercospora piaropi (= C. rodmanii), a fungal pathogen of waterhyacinth developed by his group is now well-established throughout Florida, contributing to a natural biocontrol process in which host-specific insects are also involved.

Current areas of work include the development of three fungal and one viral pathogens as bioherbicides for pigweeds, purple nutsedge, and tropical soda apple. A large culture collection (~ 4000) of fungi and bacteria from various weeds, soil, and water samples, assembled over several years, serves as a valuable resource to screen for biocontrol agents and pesticidal metabolites.

Phone    352-392-3631 Fax    352-392-6532 EMail    rc@ifas.ufl.edu

Mailing Address Department of Plant Pathology University of Florida PO Box 110680 Gainesville, FL 32611-0680