Effect of Temperature and Storage Time on Shelf Life of Mycoherbicidal Products of Colletotrichum dematium FGCC#20

Problem statement: The storage environment can have a drastic impact on the stabilization of microbial biopesticides. As a general rule, storing microbial preparation at lower temperature increase long term survivelity. Approach: Optimization of shelf life is critically important for biocontrol products containing living microorganisms. Conidia of Colletotrichum dematium, (FGCC#20) a fungal pathogen of the weed, Parthenium hysterophorus were produced in solid agrowaste substrate. After solid based formulation, formulated mycoherbicidal products were conditioned at room temperature and at 4°C temp in different storage periods. Results: The longest shelf-life (conidial inoculums viability) was found in formulated products stored at 4°C temperature. At this temperature 4°C pesta (Wheat bran + Keolin) granules were 80% viable for 3 months and 10- 15% viable after one month. Conclusion: The temperature had a renounced effect on the shelf life of the formulated products during storage. Maximum shelf life was observed in pesta granules for at least 1 year at 4°C would be adequate for commercialization.