Porous freeze-dried hydrocolloid beads containing viable microorganisms for biological control

摘要

The present invention provides cellular solid carriers comprising viable microorganisms capable of controlling plant pathogens. The cellular solid carriers are formed from water-soluble hydrocolloid beads dried under conditions which preserve their porosity, thereby allowing efficient release of microorganisms or diffusion of products derived from the microorganisms from the beads to the surrounding environment.