METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC 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 (average maximum dimension less than 300 mu m) of non-fibrous cellulose. The proportions of the aqueous cream and non-fibrous cellulose particles are such that, after equilibration, the mixture has a water activity in the range 0.80 to 0.995. Preferably an anti-fungal agent is included in the aqueous cream. To store the cryptobiotic J3 nematodes, the mixture is preferably kept in a container (10), fitted with an attachment which maintains the water activity in the container at a required value. The attachment includes a rigid tube (13, 26) that connects the interior of the container with a chamber (14, 24) that is vented to ambient atmosphere by small apparatus (16). When in use the chamber contains water-absorbent material (18) saturated with water or with a saturated salt solution, and the tube (13, 26) contains an air-permeable plug (17). An alternative attachment comprises a plastic envelope (32), one face (34) of which is stuck to the wall of the container (30). Small apertures (36) in the face (34) are aligned with apertures (31) in the container wall. Small apertures (37) in the other face (33) connect the inside of the envelope (32) to ambient atmosphere. In use, the envelope contains a water-absorbent material (18) saturated with water or a salt solution, and at least one spacer member (35).