title: Neutral density liquid formulations for nematode-based biopesticides.
abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes are widely used as biological insecticides for agricultural and horticultural pests. In the vast majority of cases, commercial products contain nematodes partially dehydrated on to inert solid carriers. Nematode survival in these products is generally poor, they are difficult to handle and are not suitable for use with all nematode species. We have developed a non-viscous, non-adhesive and non-toxic liquid formulation for nematode storage and transport based on neutral density colloidal silica suspensions. Survival and virulence of nematodes stored in this formulation without aeration was superior to nematodes stored in aerated quarter strength Ringer's solution.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK. m.j.wilson@abdn.ac.uk
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ivanova
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D001688:Biological Products; D003102:Colloids; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000494:pharmacology; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D009348:Nematoda / Q000378:metabolism*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077331:Ringer's Solution; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D003102:Colloids; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D010575:Pesticides; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D000077331:Ringer's Solution