ARS | Publication request: ENCAPSULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOCONTROL AGENTS INCREASED SURVIVAL AND RESIDUAL ACTIVITY (CAPSULACION DE AGENTES MICROBIANOS DE CONTROL BIOLOGICO PARA INCREMENTAR SU VIDA DE ANAQUEL Y ACTIVIDAD RESIDUAL)

Submitted to: USDA Mexico International Workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: October 24, 2003
Publication Date: December 1, 2003
Citation: Tamez-Guerra, P., Behle, R.W., McGuire, M.R., Galan-Wong, L.J., Rodriguez-Padilla, C., Tamez-Guerra, R.S. 2003. Encapsulation of microbial biocontrol agents increased survival and residual activity. In: Galan-Wong, L.J., Elias-Santos, M., Tamez, P., Quintero-Ramirez, R,. Quintero-Zapata, I. (Editors). Proceso Biotecnologicos, Primera Edicion. Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Chapter 15. p. 187-195.

Technical Abstract: To date, there are 1,500 microorganisms or microbial products with insecticidal activity. These bioinsecticides have been demonstrated to be safe to the environment, and are less likely to induce resistance development by target insects. Still, the commercial success of bioinsecticides relies on many factors beyond insecticidal activity, such as good shelf-life, residual activity in field, and fit with current application technologies. Bioinsecticides are living organisms or biological compounds, and are especially sensitive to solar radiation. In general, formulation technology helps improve both shelf-life and residual activity in field. This chapter describes different formulation techniques that have been demonstrated to improve bioinsecticides residual activity and shelf-life under field conditions.