Fusarium | Carrier | Formulation | Propagation | Lifespan | Shelf Life | Xylem
Recommended protocol to prolong the shelf life of a Fusarium oxysporum-based agarwood inoculant, particularly for BarIno™-type products:
1. Culture Maintenance (Mother Culture)
- Medium: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) or Sabouraud Dextrose Agar
- Storage: Maintain stock cultures at 4°C in slants sealed with parafilm.
- Subculture Interval: Every 2–3 months to preserve viability.
2. Inoculant Formulation (For Shelf Life)
- Option A: Liquid Spore Suspension (Standard)
- Base: Sterile distilled water or phosphate buffer
- Spore concentration: ~10⁶–10⁸ CFU/mL
- Stabilizers:
- 0.1–0.5% glycerol (protects spores)
- Optional: 0.05% Tween-80 (improves dispersal)
Storage: Refrigerated at 4–10°C, light-protected, sterile container
Shelf life: 6–12 months
- Option B: Oil-based or Gel Matrix
- Carrier: Mineral oil or polysaccharide gel (e.g., xanthan gum)
- Preservative: 0.02% sodium benzoate (optional, low-impact on viability)
- Advantages: Enhanced adhesion and protection in field application
Storage: Room temp or cold, depending on carrier
Shelf life: Up to 12–18 months
- Option C: Solid Form (Spore Sticks or Pellets)
- Substrate: Sawdust or rice bran + PDA + clay binder
- Drying: Air-dry at 30–35°C until firm
- Packaging: Vacuum-sealed or foil packs with desiccant
Storage: Cool, dry area (avoid >40% humidity)
Shelf life: 12–24 months
3. Packaging Tips
- Use dark-colored HDPE bottles or foil pouches
- Include label with batch code, expiration date, storage instructions
- Add QR code for digital traceability (optional)
4. Quality Control
- Monthly viability test: Plate 0.1 mL on PDA to check spore germination
- Maintain a viability threshold of >90% CFU for commercial use