Project Number: 3620-22410-008-01
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Aug 10, 1999
End Date: Jul 31, 2004

Objective:
To further evaluate methods for producing, stabilizing, and applying spores of the bioinsecticidal fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and to transfer biocontrol technology to Mexican agricultural sciences to promote environmentally friendly pest control practices.

Approach:
The fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus is an aggressive pathogen of various soft-bodied insects including the silverleaf whitefly and is being developed as a bioinsecticide. Commercialization of this biological control agent requires the development of low-cost methods for producing & stabilizing infective P. fumosoroseus spores. Methods for producing and stabilizing spores of P. fumosoroseus were developed in the Fermentation Biochemistry Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Peoria, IL. This study will focus on improving the economics of producing and stabilizing P. fumosoroseus spores by identifying lower-cost media components, optimizing environmental conditions (dissolved oxygen, pH, etc.) for deep-tank fermentation, and identifying optimal drying conditions. P. fumosoroseus spore preparations will be tested for biocontrol efficacy against the silverleaf whitefly under field conditions. Information from these studies should further the commercial development of this bioinsecticide and provide general information on producing and stabilizing fungal biocontrol agents.

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