STABILIZED INSECT NEMATODE COMPOSITIONS

摘要

An insecticidal composition comprising a first composition having an effecti ve amount of at least one species of entomop- athogen distributed in a matrix. A second composition selected from vegetabl e oil, crop oil and partially hydrogenated oil con- taining mono- and di-glycerides surrounds the first composition and significantly prolongs nematode viability of during storage. The matrix is a nematode-containing macrogel or paste of partially hydrogenated oils containing mono and di-glycerides. The macrogel matrix is selected from a continuous polymer macrogel or microcapsu le- containing macrogel. Partially hydrogenated oils containing mono- and di-glycerides, (e.g. Crisco R shortening), can als o be mixed with free nematodes to produce a paste formulation. Trapping nematodes in a Crisco R matrix formulation along with the water retentive polymer results in in- creased protection against desiccation and significantly prolonged viability during storage.