Radiation protection of microbial pesticides

Natural sunlight, especially the ultraviolet (UV) portion of the spectrum ( UV-B, UV-A), is responsible for inactivation of the microbial insecticides. Starch or flour encapsulation of microbial pesticides including bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes and protozoa in addition to antioxidants, oxidati ve enzymes or radical scavengers may also play a critical role in the prote ction of insect pathogens during solar irradiation. Some chemicals, with pa rticular emphasis upon dyes and optical brighteners are used asUV screens t o protect insect pathogens. Research in the area of UV screens will be emph asized from both basic and applied aspects.