Stability of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. conidia stored in different packagings

ABSTRACT: One of the limiting factors in the use of more substantial amounts of entomopathogenic fungi is the difficulty in maintaining conidial viability for long periods in storage. The need for developing formulations and packaging that would increase the shelf life of these microorganisms is therefore important. Considering this, this study aimed to identify packaging types that would maintain conidial viability for long storage periods at different temperatures. A granular B. bassiana (CG 432) mixture (conidia and parboiled rice) was used, stored in three different packaging types: Coex, metallized polyester, and polyethylene, which were stored in refrigerator (6 ± 2°C) and in an incubator (25 ± 1°C) for 180 days. Germination percentage and water content were the parameters used to evaluate packaging influence on conidial viability. The conidia stored in Coex packaging showed the highest germination percentage in refrigerator and at room temperature during the entire storage period. This packaging also provided the lowest water acquisition by the conidia during storage. Regardless of packaging, the conidia stored in refrigerator showed the highest germination percentage in relation to those stored at room temperature (25 ± 1°C).