Dependence of the viability and virulence of siberian isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals-Griv.) Vuill. on the period of their storage at positive temperatures

A study of Siberian isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Bals-Griv.) Vuill. has shown the dependence of their viability and virulence on the storage period and temperature. The isolates remain viable and virulent for a longer period (up to 3 years) when they are stored at a low positive temperature (+8°C) than when stored at room temperature (+18°C). According to our correlation analysis, when stored at room temperature, the virulence of the studied isolates towards the test insects depends on the storage period (57–72%) and, to a lesser extent (28–43%), on other unaccounted factors.