Vertical Movement of Commercially Formulated Beauveria bassiana Conidia through Four Georgia Soil Types

Abstract

Vertical movement of commercially formulated conidia of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillimen in four soil types was measured in 30.6-cm columns of soil. Tifton and Greenville series soils were more restrictive to vertical movement of the conidia than either Cecil or Townley series soils. When applied as an aqueous suspension to the soil surface, >90% of the viable colony-forming units (CFU's) were recovered in the upper 15.2 cm of columns containing Tifton or Greenville soils. Approximately 12.5% of the CFU's moved through the 30.6-cm columns of Cecil and Townley series soils and were collected in the effluent. Formulated conidia are not restricted only to the surfaces of these soils.