Work

Physicochemical interactions and viability of Cordyceps fumosorosea associated with adjuvants

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Adding adjuvants to crop protection sprays is common practice; however interactions among formulations must be better understood to prevent reducing efficacy, especially for those containing microorganisms for biological control. This study aimed to assess physicochemical interactions, droplet formation, and viability of the fungus Cordyceps fumosorosea mixed with an adjuvant. The experiments followed a completely randomized design with four replications and six treatments. The treatments included the fungus associated with five adjuvants: polyether/silicone copolymer (1 - PSC), alkyl phosphate ester (2 - PAE), soybean oil methyl ester (3 - SME), orange peel oil (4 - OPO), lecithin/propionic acid mixture (5 - LPA), and a control (only fungus) (6). The LPA adjuvant was physically compatible with the fungus, unlike others that showed phase separation. All adjuvants reduced the contact angle and surface tension compared to the control, with treatments PSC and LPA presenting the lowest values, respectively. All adjuvants reduced droplet size compared to the control. Treatment LPA produced the smallest droplet size, the highest risk of drift, and the most droplet uniformity. The highest viscosity values originated from solutions in treatment LPA, followed by PAE. Formulations with the LPA adjuvant plus the bioinsecticide yielded the lowest pH and the highest electrical conductivity values, followed by OPO. Even with the low pH, the LPA treatment did not affect the viability of the entomopathogenic fungus. It is evident that the adjuvants affected the physicochemical characteristics of the solutions, and treatment LPA yielded the best results for physicochemical compatibility, as it did not reduce the viability of the entomopathogenic fungus.

Source: Bioscience Journal

DOI: 10.14393/bj-v41n0a2025-74980

Authors: Sabrina Juvenal de Oliveira, Fernando Bellesini Vigna, Danrley da Roza Pacheco, Marcelo da Costa Ferreira

Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

Language: English

Topic: Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500