Enhancing Mycoherbicide Storage Capabilities Through Encapsulation Technology

Although biocontrol technology, including mycoherbicides, has been investigated for a long period of time, few products have actually made it into the commercial loop. The reasons for this are varied and include unfavorable environmental conditions, small markets and poor shelf-life. The test mycoherbicide candidate in this project, A. destruens, is plagued by poor shelf-life and storage capabilities. This SBIR project will investigate a unique encapsulation technology that will enable a protective microcapsule to be placed around A. destruens conidia and, in some cases, allow for shielding components to be incorporated for added protection. In doing this, the conidia will be protected and rendered more viable in storage and subsequent post application(s).