Studies on mass production and shelf life of Paecilomyces lilacinus

Paecilomyces lilacinus reached its peak growth on 14th day (6.42g) indicating its optimum growth period. Among the different media tested Sabourd’s dextrose broth (6.62g) was significantly superior over all other broths tested, Rose Bengal broth (5.02g) was moderately good followed by Richard’s synthetic broth (4.35 g). The temperature of 20°C was found to be significantly superior compared to other temperature levels by recording the maximum dry mycelial weight of 8.14 g and it was followed by 25°C with 7.80g. Maximum dry mycelial weight was obtained at 20°C (8.14g), whereas optimum temperature range was 20-25°C and fungal growth and sporulation was maximum between 10-30 °C. Similarly maximum dry mycelial weight was obtained at pH 9 (5.40 g). Among different carrier materials used to prepare commercial formulation of P. lilacinus talc based formulation was best with highest CFU count of 42 x 108 followed by FYM with 39 x106 CFU count. After 240 days to 360 days there was significant decline in CFU count and even after 360 days it did not attain below prescribed level. Results of this study indicate that P. lilacinus formulation can be used up to one year.