Experimental determination of viability loss of Penicillium bilaiae conidia during convective air-drying.

A study was conducted on the drying of Penicillium bilaiae, a fungal micro-organism used to promote soil-bound phosphorous uptake in several crop species, such as wheat, canola and pulse crops. A wet pellet formed from a mixture of the inoculant and a starch-based carrier was air-dried to the appropriate water activity to extend the shelf-life of the viable fungal conidia. Convective air-drying was examined as a low-energy alternative to the more expensive freeze-drying technology that is currently in use.