ARS | Publication request: A foam formulation for the delivery of microbial biological control agents

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: August 10, 2007
Publication Date: June 7, 2007
Citation: Dunlap, C.A., Jackson, M.A., Wright, M.S. 2007. A foam formulation for the delivery of microbial biological control agents [abstract]. 8th International Symposium on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. Paper No. 5.

Technical Abstract: Common surfactants and foaming agents are toxic to most microorganisms. To identify suitable foaming agents for use with microbes, several classes of surfactants/foaming agents were screened for compatibility with blastospores of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus. The surfactants were assayed to determine their influence on the rate of germination, viability, and conidia production by blastospores of P. fumosoroseus. Compatible surfactants were then assayed for their foam forming properties using a commercially available pest control foam generator. Testing identified keratin hydrolysate as the only suitable surfactant in terms of biocompatibility and foam forming properties. Laboratory assays were conducted to determine the effect of keratin hydrolysate on the efficacy of blastospores of P. fumosoroseus against Formosan subterranean termites. The results show keratin hydrolysate increased the efficacy of P. fumosoroseus. A preliminary field trial was performed to test the ability of a P. fumosoroseus foam formulation to control Formosan subterranean termites in infested trees. The results show this foam formulation of P. fumosoroseus is successful in controlling Formosan subterranean termites. The biocompatibility of keratin hydrolysate was further tested against several other microorganisms and proved compatible with all microbes. Keratin hydrolysate was able to reduce the interfacial surface tension of water to 22 dyn/cm, so it may be useful in other non-foam microbial formulations.