A multispecies system for evaluation of infectivity and pathogenicity of microbial pest control agents in nontarget aquatic species

Microbial pest control agents (MPCAs - viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi) are being used as biological pesticides and herbicides. Many of these agents are considered potential MPCAs and could be used widely in the environment. Therefore, test animals must be selected and laboratory systems developed to evaluate safety of such agents to nontarget species. A simple, multispecies laboratory system has been designed and used to determine risks of infectivity and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Collego)), a registered postemergent mycoherbicide, to nontarget freshwater and estuarine plant and animal species.