Increased Hirsutella citriformis Conidia Shelf Life in Acacia and Hirsutella Gum Formulations

Biological control by beneficial microorganisms is known to significantly reduce the effect of pests on crops yield. Among biocontrol strategies use entomopathogenic fungi such as Hirsutella citriformis, which has been applied infect and kill hemipteran insect pests, including Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Bactericera cockerelli Sulc. Triozidae). These biological agents are in form conidia that often combined with other inert materials facilitate application, protect conidia, improve their shelf life. The aim this study was implement for developing formulations increase We evaluated gum produced from one strain two different H. citriformis strains. Conidia were formulated evaluating concentrations Acacia gums enhance viability during storage at 4 °C or 25 °C. Results indicated maintained least 90 d after (≥70% viability) 120 °C, (p ≤ 0.05) higher than control, without observing changes pH values. also demonstrated 100% formulation purity days 0 120, among all treatments. In conclusion, three months, when stored