Prolong the shelf life

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 life6–12 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 life12–24 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

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