Project Number: 3620-22410-010-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 25, 2005
End Date: May 24, 2010

Objective:
Develop liquid culture methods for producing microbial biocontrol agents by optimizing the nutritional and environmental conditions during growth for the production of an appropriate microbial propagule with optimal biocontrol efficacy and storage stability. Develop novel formulation technologies for microbial biocontrol agents and natural products through the selection and application of innovative processes and ingredients that lead to improved efficacy, storage stability, field stability and product delivery.

Approach:
Our research strategy will focus on developing liquid culture methods for producing microbial biocontrol agents by optimizing the nutritional and environmental conditions during growth for the production of an appropriate microbial propagule with optimal biocontrol efficacy and storage stability. Formulation-based solutions to critical problems related to biocontrol agent stability, efficacy, and application will be addressed by evaluating the impact of formulation ingredients and processes on the physical characteristics, biological activity, storage stability, and field efficacy of selected biocontrol agents.