Patent ID: 6407310
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
A method of preparing third stage infective juveniles (J3) of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Steinernema (synonym Neoaplectana) and Heterorhabdidtis (synonym Chromonema) for storage, the method comprising: mixing together an aqueous concentrate of clean J3 entomopathogenic nematodes and substantially anhydrous small particles of non-fibrous cellulose, the particles having an average maximum dimension which is less than 300 &mgr;m, the proportions of the aqueous concentrate and particulate cellulose in the mixture being such that (a) sufficient water is absorbed from the concentrate by the cellulose particles to induce cryptobiosis of the nematodes, and (b) the mixture, after equilibrating, has a water activity in the range of from 0.80 to 0.995.