Membrane-coated hydrogel encapsulated nematodes

An insecticidal composition comprising

• a membrane-coated hydrated hydrogel capsule matrix encapsulating and containing, without excess viscosity-caused damage, an insecticidally effective amount of at least one nematode having an associated entomogenous bacteria, usually found in the intestinal lumen, which, following ingestion of the nematode by an insect host, said entomogenous bacteria will be released and multiply to produce fatal septicaemia in the insect host,
• which capsule allows nematode respiration by permitting diffusion of gases and has sufficient hydration to maintain the viability and infectivity of said nematode;
• and
• said membrane-coated capsule being strong enough to resist external abrasion yet being pliable enough to allow the eventual release of the nematode or injestion by the insect;
• said membrane comprising a capsule membrane substantially coating said capsule, which membrane is capable of reducing the rate of water loss from said capsule;
• said capsule ranging in size from approximately 0.4 to 5 millimeters in diameter and containing approximately 250 to 50,000 nematodes per milliliter, the interior of the capsule remaining wet and having a free water content in excess of 50 percent, said free water being immediately available to the nematodes in the capsule, thereby providing the anti-dessication moisture element for maintaining nematode viability and infectivity.