October Issue Extra: Storing Biologicals

Storing biological pesticides varies depending on what type of biological control is being used, but in general, most aren’t much different that traditional pesticides.

“Parasitic nematodes can’t be stored too cold because you can freeze them or kill them or cause them to loose the ability to respire, but a lot of the bacterial spores can withstand quite a range of environmental conditions,” says David Shetlar, associate professor of urban landscape entomology at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

Many biological pesticides are temperature sensitive and should be stored in a 40-degree to 70- degree tempurature range, according to Don Taylor, president of biological manufacturer Poulenger, Lakeland, Fla.

Becker Underwood, a manufacturer of biological pesticides in Ames, Iowa, recommends the following storage and disposal procedures for its Steinernema scapterisci nematode application:

·        Upon receipt remove outer packaging

·        Store in a refrigerator at 41 degrees, but do not freeze

·        Ensure adequate air circulation around each pack

·        Use the entire package contents at one time, and don’t subdivide packs because each one contains a measured dose of nematode

·        Use before the expiration date

 In addition to temperature, some biologicals should not be stored near traditional pesticides. “Some of these biologicals are susceptible to pesticides, so you usually can’t store them in the same pesticide storage unit,” Shetlar says.

Once biologicals are stored, they should be used quickly. Taylor recommends using them in six months to one year from the time of purchase. Most biologicals only have a shelf life of two to three months, but says there are some that can last longer, Shetlar says.

“Some things like the bacterial and fungal products probably have a shelf life of a couple of years, so you can carry those from one season to another,” Shetlar says. “I think one of the companies that I’m aware of tries to use up all of their biologicals within a year and has very little carryover. If they do have carryover, they try to use it immediately within the next season.”