Abstract
Worldwide, many biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi (=mycoinsecticides) have been withdrawn from commercial markets, and one of the reasons is that manufacturers are not able to guarantee a reasonable period of time during which products can be stored without losing efficacy. The research topic I have selected for my dissertation involves the development of formulation and packaging technologies for improved shelf-life of entomopathogenic fungi, especially Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. Research will be carried out to determine ways of increasing shelf-life through the use of wettable powder conidial formulations and different packaging materials and processes. The research will consider different storage conditions, and will try to optimize the shelf-life under higher temperature conditions. The results of this research could improve the quality of mycoinsecticides in both temperate and tropical regions.
