Apparatus for providing an environment of controlled water activity for storage of nematodes

摘要

Third stage juvenile (J3) entomopathogenic nematodes are prepared for storage by being induced into a state of cryptobiosis. The induction of cryptobiosis is effected by mixing an aqueous cream of the J3 nematodes with anhydrous, small particles of non-fibrous cellulose. The cryptobiotic J3 nematodes are stored in a container, fitted with an attachment which maintains the water activity in the container at a required value. The attachment includes a rigid tube that connects the interior of the container with a chamber that is vented to ambient atmosphere by small apparatus. The chamber contains water-absorbent material saturated with water or with a saturated salt solution, and the tube contains an air-permeable plug. An alternative attachment comprises a plastic envelope as the chamber, one face of which is stuck to the wall of the container. Small aperatures in the face are aligned with apertures in the container wall. Small apertures in the other face connect the inside of the envelope to ambient atmosphere.