Abstract: Methods for packaging Metarhizium fungal cultures or conidia are described. In one embodiment, the fungal culture is provided within an insect infection chamber that attracts insects, then infects them with a lethal dosage of fungus, where the packaging maintains high humidity within the chamber, allows free exchange of gases, and is impermeable to microbes, including fungal spores, viruses, and bacteria. In a second embodiment, the fungal conidia are packaged under conditions which maintain high viability even after long-term storage at both 25.degree. C. and 37.degree. C., i.e., low relative humidity and oxygen. The conidia can then be reactivated for the use in the control of insects such as cockroaches, flies, ants, soft-bodied insects, turf pests, and caterpillars.

Abstract: Stabilized bacteria and bacterial formulations which can survive long term storage at high temperature are described. Bacteria are dried until they reach a dormant state. Oxygen is then removed from the environment surrounding the bacteria to prevent oxidative damage to the dormant cells. The bacteria is packaged and stored in material impermeable to gas and water vapor until such time as it is ready for use. Bacteria stored under these conditions will remain stable and efficacious for at least a year.

Abstract: A method for packaging an insect infection chamber that attracts insects, then infects them with a lethal dosage of fungus, where the packaging maintains high humidity within the chamber, allows fee exchange of gases, and is impermeable to microbes, including fungal spores, viruses, and bacteria.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Pseudomonas syringae having the identifying characteristics of the deposited strain designated as ATCC 55389 is disclosed. A composition for inhibiting microbial decay on fruit is disclosed, the composition including a strain of Pseudomonas syringae having the identifying characteristics of the deposited strain designated as ATCC 55389 and a carrier. The composition has a concentration of the strain in the carrier which is sufficient to significantly inhibit microbial decay on the fruit. Additionally, a method for inhibiting microbial decay on fruit is disclosed including the step of exposing the fruit to a composition which includes a sufficient concentration of a strain of Pseudomonas syringae having the characteristics of the deposited strain as ATCC 55389 to significantly inhibit microbial decay.

Abstract: A method for long term storage of a stable monodispersed aqueous suspension of conidia has been developed. This is based on the use of surfactants in a concentration range significantly higher than expected that is completely compatible with conidia, generally in the range of between 1 and 2% (w/v) in an aqueous suspension of between 0.01 and 50% (w/v) conidia. Fungal propagules (conidia) of entomopathogenic fungi such as M. anisopliae and B. bassiana can be successfully combined with higher than expected concentrations of commercially available anionic surfactants and wetting agents such as dioctyl sulfosuccinates (DSS) salts and derivatives thereof with no apparent negative impact upon either viability or insecticidal activity of the conidia. Other surfactants, dispersants and non-fungicidal materials can be added to the stabilized conidial suspensions without loss of viability, dispersibility, or shelf-life.

Abstract: A infection chamber for control and extermination of insects, including roaches, flying insects such as the housefly, and other insects such as the adult form of the corn rootworm by infection of the insects with a fungus that can be pathogenic when administered to the insects in a sufficiently high concentration. The chamber maintains the spores of a fungus pathogenic to the insects in a viable form, protecting the fungi from the environment (including rain, ultraviolet light and the wind), serves as an attractant for the insects, and serves to inoculate the insects with high numbers of spores. Although the primary means of infection is by external contact, the insects may also be infected by contact with each other and by ingestion of the spores. The two most preferred entomopathogenic fungi are Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, although other fungi can be used which are pathogenic when the insect is inoculated via the infection chamber.

Abstract: A convenient, economical, non-toxic and effective apparatus for the control of roaches by administration of entomopathogenic fungi to the cockroaches. The roaches are exposed to the fungi in a contamination chamber having openings through which the cockroaches enter and come in contact with a living culture of a fungus which is pathogenic to cockroaches. The fungal spores attach to the roach, germinate and penetrate into the body of the cockroach, resulting in the death of the infected roach. Death takes approximately two to three weeks after contact with the culture. During this time, the infected roach disseminates spores of the pathogenic fungus throughout the infested areas which may subsequently infect other roaches. Given the proper environmental conditions, the fungus sporulates on the cadaver of the roach and the conidia can be transmitted to other cockroaches, resulting in a further spread of the disease.

Abstract: A method for control and extermination of flying insects, especially the housefly, by infection of the insects with an entomopathogenic fungus, preferably soil-dwelling fungi, by means of an infection chamber. The chamber maintains the spores of a fungus pathogenic to the insects in a viable form, serves as an attractant for the insects, and serves to inoculate the insects with high numbers of spores. The spores attach to the insects and originate germ tubes that penetrate into the insect, resulting in death within three to four days. The chamber design, i.e., shape and color, can be the sole attractants for the insects. Alternatively, food or scents can be used to further enhance the attraction of the insects for the chamber. Although the primary means of infection is by external contact with the fungal growth, the insects may also be infected by contact with each other and by ingestion of the spores.