Effect of Storage on the Virulence of Gypsy Moth Nucleopolyhedrosis Inclusion Bodies12

Nucleopolyhedrosis inclusion bodies of Lymantria dispar L. were stored as powders and as water suspensions under different conditions and for different lengths of time. PIB’s were subjected to room and elevated temperatures, and to refrigeration and freezing. Suspensions retained their potency for 5 yr under refrigeration, and for 2 yr at room temperature. Air-dried powder at 4°C lasted for 1 yr before losing potency slowly. Air-dried powder and suspensions held at 38°C for 6 mo lost potency.