Abstract: A stabilized, granular, biocontrol agent formulation for agricultural pests relies upon a combination of a water absorbent material, a membrane stabilization agent, and a granulating agent to achieve the desired stability and free-flowing properties. The granular product is easily prepared by simple mixing and can be readily rehydrated into a sprayable composition.

Abstract: Granules of encapsulated living organisms for controlling agricultural pests are provided having a coating of an invert oil that forms a water-in-oil emulsion and an adsorbent for the oil to make the coated granules free-flowing. The oil slows drying of the organisms to maintain vitality of the organisms. The coated granules are produced by encapsulating bacteria, fungi or nematodes that control agricultural pests in alginate, starch or wheat gluten to form granules, coating the granules with a water-in-oil emulsion of the invert oil, coating the granules with the adsorbent for the oil and drying the coated granules to about 1-10% moisture. The adsorbent can be hydrated silica, fumed silica, clay, bran, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, absorbent starch or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Fungal pathogen is applied to weeds in such a manner that misting or an extended dew period is not necessary to germinate and grow the fungus. In particular, an oil-in-water invert emulsion containing a special additive is applied to the weeds at the same time or immediately after application of the fungal pathogen, wherein the special additive is (a) wax or (b) lecithin in combination with a calcium salt. Lecithin particularly is effective as an emulsifying agent for forming the emulsion, and for forming invert emulsions for applying chemical herbicides to weeds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing pellets containing living biocontrol fungi. Fungi are selected and grown for sufficient time to produce inoculum. The fungal propagules are harvested, homogenized and diluted with sodium alginate solution. Pelletization is then accomplished by dropwise addition of the fungal propagule-alginate mixture into a solution of calcium chloride or calcium gluconate. The resultant alginate gel pellets containing living fungi can then be dried and are used to inoculate agricultural fields infested with soilborne plant diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to alginate gel pellets containing living fungus capable of producing conidia when exposed to sufficient light and moisture. Fungi are selected and grown for sufficient time to produce inoculum. The fungus cultures are harvested and homogenized for approximately 30 seconds and diluted to a ratio of about 1:3 (v/v) with 1.33% (w/v) sodium alginate in distilled water producing a final concentration of 1.0% sodium alginate and pH of 6.6 to 7.3. Pelletization is then accomplished by dropwise addition into 0.25 M CaCl.sub.2 in water. The resultant alginate gel pellets of approximately 3 to 5 mm in diameter can then be dried and used to inoculate agriculture fields to kill selected weeds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing pellets containing living biocontrol fungi. Fungi are selected and grown for sufficient time to produce inoculum. The fungal propagules are harvested, homogenized and diluted with sodium alginate solution. Pelletization is then accomplished by dropwise addition of the fungal propagule-alginate mixture into a solution of calcium chloride or calcium gluconate. The resultant alginate gel pellets containing living fungi can then be dried and are used to inoculate agricultural fields infested with soilborne plant diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to alginate gel pellets containing living fungus capable of producing conidia when exposed to sufficient light and moisture. Fungi are selected and grown for sufficient time to produce inoculum. The fungus cultures are harvested and homogenized for approximately 30 seconds and diluted to a ratio of about 1:3 (v/v) with 1.33% (w/v) sodium alginate in distilled water producing a final concentration of 1.0% sodium alginate and pH of 6.6 to 7.3. Pelletization is then accomplished by dropwise addition into 0.25M CaCl.sub.2 in water. The resultant alginate gel pellets of approximately 3 to 5 mm in diameter can then be dried and used to inoculate agriculture fields to kill selected weeds.