| abstract |
The present invention utilizes the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material, attracting the insect and optionally introducing insect-specific pathogenic fungi. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination. The matrix of preconidial fungi can optionally be dried, freeze-dried, cooled and/or pelletized and packaged and reactivated for use as an effective insect attractant and/or biopesticide. Attractant extracts of the preconidial entomopathogenic mycelium are disclosed. |