Microcapsuled entomopathogenic fungi against fire ants
A new microencapsulation method of Metarhizium anisopliae based on gelatin (GE) and gum arabic (GA) is presented. Conditions to produce spheres 35-50 m relied on 1% wall material, GE:GA ratio 1:1-1:2, core:wall ratio 1:1, under pH 4.0, 35-50{degrees}C and 500-700 r/min agitation. Microcapsulation provided protection against UV and longer shelf life as compared to unencapsulated conidia. The obtained preparation proved active against the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta.
microbiology↗