Marrone Bio Innovations developed a selective organic pesticide called Zequanox to target the zebra mussel. The mussel is an invasive freshwater Eurasian bivalve that has spread rapidly in North America since its introduction to the Great Lakes in the mid 1980s.

“The zebra mussel causes problems because, unlike native freshwater mussels, it attaches itself to solid objects in large numbers and can block pipelines, intake screens and power plant cooling systems,” said Barnhart.

Barnhart’s lab will test the toxicity of Zequanox to non-target organisms. “We want to know if it has unintended effects on native mussels, many of which are endangered,” explained Barnhart. The lab has extensive experience in the culture and toxicology of native mussels. The grant will support graduate and undergraduate students involved in the research.