Pasture Weeds

SolviNix™: A Natural Biological Herbicide to Control Tropical Soda Apple

Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum; TSA) is susceptible to Tobacco mild green mosaic tobamovirus (TMGMV), a plant virus that naturally occurs in Florida. Unlike other known plant viruses that cause non-lethal diseases on TSA, TMGMV elicits a strong hypersensitive response from TSA, killing the entire plant.

Through extensive testing, we have confirmed that TMGMV can be used safely and effectively as a bioherbicide for TSA. We have developed an industrial process to mass-produce the virus and formulate it into a liquid concentrate, SolviNix™ LC. Currently SolviNix™ LC is available for field testing in Florida under an Experimental Use Permit; our petition for a Section 3 registration is under review.

SolviNix™ LC is effective at low a.i. rates of 200 to 800 mg per acre. For spot treatment, it can be applied with a backpack sprayer set to deliver at 60 to 80 psi. For TSA control over large areas, an herbicide wiper is effective. Our aim is to offer SolviNix™ LC as a TSA management option for livestock and dairy operations and natural areas.

Presenter

Mark Elliott is a Senior Biological Scientist in the Department of Plant Pathology. He has worked on viruses of ornamentals, peanuts and soybeans. He is currently working on the development and application of Tobacco Mild Green Mosaic virus as a biological control agent for tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum.

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