Commercial storage and shipment of entomogenous nematodes

A process for placing entomogenous nematode infective juveniles selected from the group consisting of N. carpocapsae, N. bibionis, and H. heliothidis in an anhydrobiotic state which process comprises:

• (a) substantially removing bulk surface moisture from said infective juveniles;
• and
• (b) inducing anhydrobiosis in said infective juveniles by exposure to air at a relative humidity of 97.+-.2% for a period sufficient to achieve anhydrobiosis as defined by one or more of the following survival characteristics wherein:
• (i) more than 60% survive when said nematodes are suspended in 20% methanol, said methanol is cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature for 24 hours, and said suspension is rapidly brought to room temperature;
• (ii) more than 90% survive when maintained in an airtight container at a nematode/volume ratio of 10.sup.6 /30 ml of air atmosphere for
• (1) 10 days at 25.degree. C., or
• (2) 8 days at 30.degree. C., or
• (3) 6 days at 35.degree. C.;
• (iii) said infective juveniles require less than 1 ml oxygen per 80 mg dry weight nematodes per day at 25.degree. C. in the absence of external moisture;
• or
• (iv) more than 90% of said infective juveniles survive exposure to air at 45.degree. C. for 2 hr.