Microencapsulated pest control preparation and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microencapsulated preparation for controlling a population of insects comprising at least one insect-pathogenic fungus, at least one bacterial strain and a hydrophil

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to microencapsulated preparations comprising biopesticide, bio-fungicide, and plant growth-promoting agents and uses thereof, as well as methods for controlling insects and for producing said preparations for managing insect pests. In particular, the invention relates to microencapsulated preparations comprising an insect-pathogenic (entomopathogenic) fungus, preparations and particles comprising an insect-pathogenic fungus, their uses on plant material, methods for controlling insects with insect-pathogenic fungus, and processes for producing particles and particles for use in controlling insects, employing such organisms. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Using synthetic pesticides in pest control has caused significant environmental and health issues. The problems associated with synthetic pesticides include toxicity to non-target organisms, contamination of groundwater and surface water, persistence that limits crop rotation, and bioaccumulation in the food chain. These issues have a cumulative impact on human health, leading to consequences for life expectancy, healthcare outcomes, and associated costs (Pimentel et al., 1992, BioScience, 42(5), 354-362). Moreover, pesticide resistance has increased, with over 580 pest species demonstrating resistance to synthetic insecticides as of 2015 (Sparks &Nauen, 2015). Synthetic pesticides may become unsustainable in developed and developing countries in the coming decades. There is a growing demand for growers to reduce chemical pesticides in crop production and cultivate fruits and vegetables with reduced detectable residues. Biocontrol using biocontrol agents (also referred to as biopesticides), involves the use of microbes (such as bacteria, fungi, protozoans, viruses, viroids, peptides, mycoplasmas), microbial organisms (such as nematodes, predators, and parasitoids), semi-chemical substances (like pheromones, attractants, and lures), and natural substances (like plant extracts). In addition, biofertilisers can also contain other agents, such as soil microorganisms, that can promote plant growth and protect them against diseases. Biocontrol is used for managing pests, weeds, and diseases in agriculture, as well as in home gardening and forestry. Over the past decade, the focus of microbial formulation development has been on encapsulation / controlled release methods, and most of the works have focused on the inclusion of botanicals and semiochemicals such as essential oil liquids. As of August 31, 2020, there were 390 registered biopesticide active ingredients, (including Bioinsecticides, Biofungicides, and Bionematicides and others) registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (ERA) for use in the United States, compared to only 127 active ingredients available in the European Union (EU) market, according to the European Union Pesticide Database (EUPD) 2022. The number of biopesticide active ingredients available in the EU is also lower than in developing countries such as Brazil (83 active ingredients registered, March 2022) and China (120 active ingredients registered, November 2021). This limited availability of biopesticide products in the EU is primarily due to the region's complex regulations governing pesticide use. The main challenge in incorporating biopesticides and biofertiliser products into fields is ensuring the persistence and traceability of the inoculants while understanding the complex relationships between plants, soil, and microorganisms (Ahmad et al., 2023). Furthermore, the manufacturing processes must align with and guide farmer practices, coordinating application methods and soil management practices, as well as fertilisation (Ahmad et al., 2023). The strains of microorganisms must be contained in a suitable carrier to protect them from harsh environments during storage and ensure their survival and establishment after introduction into the soil. To date, a limited number of biopesticide products focus on the importance of formulation for solving problems associated with the production, storage, and application of microbial biocontrol. In particular, a few non-biological material-encapsulated products on the market include the bionematicide, Cedroz™ and the biofungicide, Mevalone. Both products utilise the encapsulation of terpene liquids within yeast with defined pore size to allow diffusion of low-viscosity liquid into the yeast core (Abrey &Newitt, 2016). However, terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons, not microbial agents. As such, they differ in size, physical chemistry, mode of action and efficacy. Therefore, the encapsulating Sustaine® technology used in such commercial products is unsuitable for microbial biopesticides, as the Sustaine® carriers cannot load microbial particles due to incompatibilities in pore size constraints, diffusion coefficients, etc. Despite research in the field of biopesticides, such as described in WO 2020 / 193969 or US 10,667,512, there remains an ongoing need for a practical, multipurpose solution with a wide variety of applications that is both user-friendly and can be tailored to a particular application. As a result, the uptake of biopesticides is relatively low compared to chemical pesticides despite the many advantages of biopesticides. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above issues and to provide a more accessible alternative to chemical pesticides that is flexible for multiple applications and is user-friendly to aid adoption. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention involves encapsulating an insect-pathogenic (entomopathogenic) fungus. In particular, the inventors have encapsulated a novel strain of Metarhizium anisopliae, BNL101, using an emulsification-gelation or drip casting methods. The inventors have further shown that said method can be used to encapsulate a combination of an insect-pathogenic (entomopathogenic) fungus and other microbial biopesticides to produce a microencapsulated product with improved stability, water retention for viability, shelf-life, improved adhesion and distribution and controlled release. Accordingly, the present invention provides a microencapsulated preparation comprising particles which comprise: (a) at least one insect pathogenic fungus; and (b) at least one bacterial strain; and (c) a hydrophilic carrier. The at least one insect pathogenic fungus may be a Metarhizium spp. or a Beauveha spp., preferably a Metarhizium spp.. The Metarhizium spp. may be a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain, preferably wherein said Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain is: a BNL101 fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833. The Beauveha spp. may be Beauveha bassiana. The at least one bacterial strain may be a pathogenic Bacillus spp., preferably wherein said pathogenic Bacillus spp. is B. subtilis BNL905 having IMI CC Number 507494. The microencapsulated preparation may further comprise a plant growth-promoting fungus, optionally wherein the plant growth-promoting fungus is a Trichoderma spp., preferably T. harzianum BNL2931 having IMI CC Number 507495. The microencapsulated preparation may further comprise a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, optionally wherein the nitrogen-fixing bacteria is a Azotobacter spp., preferably A. chroococcum BNL801 having IMI CC Number 507493. The at least one insect pathogenic fungus may be present as spores; the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, may be present as spores; and / or the plant growth-promoting fungus may be present as spores. The average number of spores per particle for: (a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus; (b) the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogenfixing bacteria; and / or (c) the plant growth-promoting fungus; may be between about 1 to about 2000, optionally between about 1000 to about 1500 or between about 300 to about 500. The average total number of spores per particle may be between about 1 to about 6000, optionally between about 500 to about 1500 or between about 1000 to about 1500. The hydrophilic carrier may be an agronomically acceptable carrier selected from: bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the hydrophilic carrier comprises sodium alginate. The agronomically acceptable carrier may be present at a concentration of between about 1% to about 5% (w / v) of the preparation. The microencapsulated preparation may further comprise an additional carrier selected from: bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof, wherein preferably the additional carrier is selected from guar gum, gum arabic, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and pectin, or a combination thereof, preferably gum arabic and / or guar gum. When present, the agronomically acceptable carrier and the additional carrier may be present at a ratio of between about 9:1 (w / w) to about 9.9:0.1 (w / w), preferably at a ratio of about 9.5:0.5 (w / w). The microencapsulated preparation may comprise particles having a median diameter of between about 10 pm to about 200 pm, preferably of between about 50 pm to about 150 pm, more preferably of between about 50 pm to about 100 pm. The microencapsulated preparation may maintain the biological stability of: (a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus; (b) the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and / or (c) the plant growthpromoting fungus; for at least 6 months, preferably at least 12 months, more preferably at least 15 months. The microencapsulated preparation may maintain the biological stability of: (a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus; (b) the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and / or (c) the plant growthpromoting fungus; between temperatures of from about 5°C to about 25°C. The microencapsulated preparation of may have one or more of the following properties: (a) the water activity (aw) of the particles is less than 0.6, preferably less than 0.5, more preferably less than 0.4; and / or (b) the microencapsulated preparation is in solid, optionally powder, or liquid form, preferably a suspension. The invention further provides a method of producing a microencapsulated preparation comprising at least one insect pathogenic fungus, said method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising a hydrophilic carrier, a non-ionic surfactant and the at least one insect pathogenic fungus; and (b) drip casting said aqueous solution into a solidification solution comprising a divalent metal salt and a biocompatible polymer, whereby said drip casting forms microencapsulated particles; wherein optionally said method further comprises: (i) separating the microencapsulated particles from the aqueous solidification solution; (ii) washing the microencapsulated particles; and / or (iii) packing the microencapsulated particles, optionally in a ratio of 35 to 15 parts water. In said method of producing a microencapsulated preparation, the hydrophilic carrier, non-ionic surfactant, calcium salt and biocompatible polymer may be sterilized before use in said method, wherein optionally: (a) the non-ionic surfactant, calcium salt and / or biocompatible polymer are sterilized by autoclaving; and / or (b) the hydrophilic carrier is sterilized by pasteurization. In said method of producing a microencapsulated preparation: (a) the hydrophilic carrier may be an agronomically acceptable carrier selected from: bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the hydrophilic carrier comprises sodium alginate; (b) the hydrophilic carrier may be present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of between about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 1% w / w, more preferably at a concentration of about 0.8% w / w; (c) the non-ionic surfactant may comprise Tween-80; (d) the non-ionic surfactant may be present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of between about 0.1 % w / w to about 1 % w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 0.5% w / w; (e) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus may be present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of between about 0.1% w / w to about 2% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 1% w / w; (f) the divalent metal salt may be a calcium salt, preferably the divalent metal salt is CaCt; (g) the divalent metal salt may be present in the solidification solution at a concentration of between about 1 % w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 4% w / w; (h) the biocompatible polymer may be PEG 1500; and / or (i) the biocompatible polymer may be present in the solidification solution at a concentration of between about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 2% w / w. In said method of producing a microencapsulated preparation: (a) the drip casting may be carried out using a nozzle with a diameter of between about 50 pm to about 200 pm, preferably the diameter is about 100 pm; (b) the drip casting may be carried out at a frequency of between about 5,000 Hz to about 10,000 Hz, preferably the frequency is about 8,000 Hz; (c) the drip casting may be carried out at a pressure of between about 200 mBar to about 1000 mBar, preferably the pressure is about 500 mBar; and / or (d) the drip casting may be carried out at an amplitude of between about 1,000 mV to about 10,000 mV, preferably the amplitude is of about 5,000 mV. In said method of producing a microencapsulated preparation said aqueous solution may further comprise: (a) at least one bacterial strain; (b) a nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and / or (c) a plant growth-promoting fungus; and optionally wherein said aqueous solution further comprises one or more additional insect pathogenic fungus. In said method of producing a microencapsulated preparation: (a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus may be a Metarhizium spp. or a Beauveria spp., preferably a Metarhizium spp, more preferably a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IM I CC Number 506833 (BNL101); (b) the at least one bacterial strain may be a pathogenic Bacillus spp., preferably wherein said pathogenic Bacillus spp. is B. subtilis BNL905 having IMI CC Number 507494; (c) the nitrogen-fixing bacteria may be a Azotobacter spp., preferably A. chroococcum BNL801 having IMI CC Number 507493; and / or (d) the plant growth-promoting fungus may be a Trichoderma spp., preferably T. harzianum BNL2931 having IMI CC Number 507495. The invention also provides a microencapsulated preparation produced by a method of the invention. The invention also provides a method for controlling a population of insects comprising providing a composition comprising a microencapsulated preparation of the invention to the insect population, and controlling the insect population, wherein the composition has an insecticidal activity that is at least 30% greater than a composition without the microencapsulated preparation. The amount of the composition required to control the population of insects may be 2 times less than the amount of a composition without the microencapsulated preparation of the invention required to control the same population of insects. The method may comprise the controlled release of the at least one insect pathogenic fungus, the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and the plant growth-promoting fungus from the particles of the invention. Controlled release may comprise contacting the particles with sodium citrate. The population of insects may comprise: (a) one or more of western flower thrip, weevils, aphids, whitefly, spider mites, caterpillars, chafers, ticks, midges, mosquitos or a combination thereof; or (b) one or more of western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis); Black Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); raspberry aphids (Amphorophora idaei); Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae); Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae spp); Aphids (Myzus persicae); Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti; Anopheles stephensi; Cui ex quinquefasciatus); Ticks (Ixodes spp); Armyworms (Spodoptera littura); European May beetle (Melolontha melolontha); June beetle (Hoplia philanthus); Leatherjackets (Tipula paludosa); Wireworm (Ag notes spp); Biting midge (Culicoides spp); Pine weevil (Hylobius abietis), or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a visualization of MicroSafe® capsule that contains insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 spores. The microcapsules vary in size and shape, influenced by the emulsion preparation parameters. The captured image of the capsule under optical light microscopy is shown in part (A). Part (B) shows the image observed using the micromanipulation rig's light microscope, illustrating the diversity in capsule morphology resulting from different steering speeds during the emulsion process. Part (C) presents a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of a single wet capsule. The scale bars (a) and (b) represent 100 pm. Figure 2 displays the MicroSafe®, which contains spores of the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101. These spores are loaded in sodium-alginate-based microcapsules with different formulations. The base polymer used is sodium alginate with a concentration of 2%. Co-polymers in a 9.5:0.5 (w / w) ratio, namely Gum Arabic (A), Guar Gum (B), and pectin (C), are added to the microcapsules. Figure 3 shows the particle size distributions of MicroSafe®, which contains insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, were analysed using Mastersizer. The bars represent the standard error for different co-polymer preparations in a 0.5:9.5 co-polymer to alginate ratio. The following additives were used: A) Gum Arabic; B) Pectin; C) Guar; d) alginate only (control). Figure 4 shows applied force vs displacement of alginate MicroSafe® containing the insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, on plate number 1 showed two significant points: one at 73 pm indicating a bouncing point, and the other at 55 pm indicating a bending point. The cross-linked nature of the matrix prevented the capsules from rupturing under compression, exhibiting elastic-plastic behaviour. Figure 5 shows Young's modulus is inverse correlated with the size of MicroSafe® capsules containing the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101. This suggests that reduced capsule size corresponds to increased toughness. BNL101, 2% alginate solution. Figure 6 shows the moisture loss at 30°C and 70% relative humidity for various co-polymer preparations with a 0.5:9.5 co-polymer to alginate ratio. The error bars represent the standard error. The preparations include A) Gum Arabic; B) Pectin; C) Guar Gum; D) Alginate only (control); E) Unencapsulated dry spore powder (control). Figure 7 depicts the comparison of Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) data illustrating moisture loss at 30°C and 70% relative humidity for various copolymer formulations with a 0.5:9.5 copolymer to alginate ratio. Figure 8 shows optical microscopy visualization of MicroSafe® containing insect-pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 produced at large scale using the Drip Casting process. Figure 9 describes the Drip Casting method used to create MicroSafe® capsules that contain the active ingredient of insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, with a diameter range of 90-160 pm. Each capsule is filled with approximately 1500-2000 spores of M. anisopliae BNL101. Step 1: The active ingredient Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 is incorporated into the mixture. Step 2: The active ingredient is encapsulated within the capsule of the desired size. Step 3: A synchronized polymer biodegradable suspension is added to the capsule to protect the environment. Step 4: This technology ensures the controlled release of active ingredients, enhances adhesion and retention, and is used to produce of MicroSafe® Capsules. Figure 10 shows the germination rates of MicroSafe® capsules that contain Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, an insect pathogenic fungus and unencapsulated spores (UnCap) in both dry and liquid forms. The samples were stored at 5°C for 17 months, and monthly samples were collected and tested for germination. The UnCap liquid had a 0.1% M. anisopliae spore suspension in 0.05% Tween-80. To release the spores, MicroSafe® samples were mixed with a 10 mM Sodium Citrate solution before plating. Spore suspensions were evenly spread onto Savoured Dextrose Agar plates. After 15-17 hours at 25°C, germination was assessed by counting a minimum of 300 spores per plate, and viability percentages were calculated. Each treatment was replicated three times, and error bars indicate standard error. Figure 11 shows the germination rates of MicroSafe® capsules containing Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 and unencapsulated spores (UnCap), in both dry and liquid forms, after 17 months of storage at 25°C. The UnCap liquid form constituted a 0.1% M. anisopliae BNL101 spore suspension in 0.05% Tween-80. Samples were collected every month and examined for germination. The MicroSafe® samples were mixed with a 10 mM Sodium Citrate solution to release the spores before plating. The spores' suspensions from the treatments were evenly spread onto SDA plates and left for 16-18 hours at 25°C before the germination was assessed. At least 300 spores per plate were counted, and the viability percentages were calculated. Each treatment was replicated three times, and the error bars indicate the standard error. Figure 12 shows the Teejet XR110-02VS nozzle performance at 2 bars with water spray only; estimated fan angle of 125°. MicroSafe® insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 treatments exhibited no impact on nozzle flow, maintaining consistent fan angle and sheet throughout spraying for both tested microcapsule tank mixes. Figure 13 depicts MicroSafe® containing insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 recovered from the post-spray liquid (Captured under a Light Microscope at 200x Magnification). The tank mix MicroSafe® was only mixed with water. Figure 14 shows free spores of Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, an insect pathogenic fungus used in MicroSafe®, were found in the post-spray liquid. The spores were released by mixing them with 10 mM sodium citrate in the tank mix. (400x magnification). Figure 15 shows pyranine standard curves created from each tank mix and measured using spectrofluorometry. Extracted samples were quantified against their respective reference curves to determine the amount of spray liquid retained on whole plants. Figure 16 shows the amount of spray liquid retained on strawberry plants for three treatments. The treatments being compared are MicroSafe® insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 mixed with Organosilicon (a superspreader polymer) at a ratio of 0.01% w / v, and a commercially available bioinsecticide called Naturalis®-L. The study involves 5 replicate strawberry plants for each treatment, and error bars are included to show the variability across each group. Figure 17 describes the percentage of leaf area covered by different treatments applied using a 2-nozzle boom with XR110-02VS nozzles at 2 bars, delivering 500 L / ha. The study includes three treatments: MicroSafe® containing Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 mixed with Organosilicon, a superspreader polymer in a ratio of 0.01% w / v, MicroSafe® mixed with water only, and the commercially available bioinsecticide Naturalis®-L. The error bars indicate the standard deviation of three replicate measurements. Figure 18 describes a visualization of the spray deposition of different treatments on whole strawberry plants. The treatments included MicroSafe®, which contains an insect pathogenic fungus called Metarhizium anisopliae, with tank mix of Organosilicon, a superspreader polymer at a ratio of 0.01 % w / v (a); MicroSafe® without Organosilicon (b); and Naturalis®-L, a commercially available bioinsecticide containing Beauveria bassiana, on whole strawberry plants (c). Figure 19 shows the movement of spray liquid following the application of MicroSafe™ insect pathogenic fungus, Metarizium anisopliae BNL101 tank mixed with Organosilicon, a superspreader at a ratio of 0.01% w / v and a fluorescent tracer. The image illustrates liquid coalescence on a smaller leaf blade, followed by its flow down the stem toward the plant crown. Figure 20 shows the effectiveness of encapsulated (MicroSafe®) and unencapsulated (UnCap) capsules formulations containing the active ingredient of insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 against Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis adults under lab conditions. Adult thrips were introduced into 0.5 L plastic containers with ventilated lids, containing green beans and Chrysanthemum leaves. MicroSafe® and UnCap formulations were applied at 0, 1 x 1012, 1 x 1013, and 5 x 1013 cfu / ha using a hand-held sprayer. MicroSafe® capsules contained 10 mM sodium citrate for spore release. Control treatments received sterile water with 0.05% Tween-80. Thrips mortality was recorded daily for five days at 25 ± 1°C. Dead thrips were examined under a binocular microscope to determine the cause of death, identified through fungal sporulation on the deceased insect cadavers. Each treatment was replicated five times, with 20 adult thrips per replicate, and the whole experiment was conducted twice. Error bars indicate standard error. Figure 21 shows the effectiveness of encapsulated (MicroSafe®) and unencapsulated (UnCap) capsules formulations containing the active ingredient insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, applied against third instar vine weevil larvae, Otiorhynchus sulcatus under lab conditions. MicroSafe® and UnCap were applied at 0, 1 x io5, 1 x io6, and 1 x 107 cfu / mL. Control treatments received sterile water with 0.05% Tween-80. Each treatment was replicated five times with five larvae per replicate, and insect mortality was recorded daily for five days. The entire experiment was repeated twice. Error bars indicate standard error. Figure 22 shows the effectiveness of encapsulated (MicroSafe®) and unencapsulated (UnCap) capsule formulations containing the active ingredient insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, applied against third instar of large raspberry aphid, Amphorophora idaei nymphs, under lab condition. MicroSafe® and UnCap applied at 1 x 105, 1 x 106, and 1 x io7 cfu / mL. Control treatments received sterile water with 0.05% Tween-80. Each treatment was replicated with 30 aphid nymphs three times, and the entire experiment was conducted twice. Error bars indicate standard error. Figure 23 shows the effectiveness of encapsulated (MicroSafe®) and unencapsulated (UnCap) capsule formulations containing the active ingredient, the insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, against third instar large raspberry aphid, Amphorophora idaei nymphs, under controlled glasshouse conditions. Each raspberry plant leaf was infested with an average of 40 aphids and subsequently transferred into BugDorm insect cages (47.5 cm x 47.5 cm x 47.5 cm). Each cage accommodated three raspberry plants and sprayed with 30 mL MicroSafe® (1 x 107 cfu / mL) containing the active ingredient insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 using a handheld sprayer. The untreated plants only received a 30 mL 0.03% aqueous Tween-80 solution. Aphid populations were counted weekly for three weeks post-application. Each treatment was replicated three times, and the experiment was conducted twice. Error bars indicate standard error. Figure 24 shows the comparative effectiveness of Tetramix® and unencapsulated formulations, both containing active ingredients of Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, Trichoderma harzianum BNL2931, Bacillus subtilis BNL905, and Azotobacter chroococcum BNL801, in combating adult Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, under greenhouse conditions. Both Tetramix® and the unencapsulated formulations were administered in untreated (0) concentrations, 4 x 1011, 4 x 1 o12, and 4 x 1013 cfu / ha using a Nap sack sprayer. To facilitate spore release before application, Tetramix® capsules were pretreated with 10 mM sodium citrate. Control groups received water mixed with 0.05% Tween-80. Thrips mortality was documented daily over five days at a consistent temperature of 25 ± 1°C. The cause of death was confirmed by examining dead thrips under a binocular microscope, identifying fungal sporulation on the insects' cadavers. Each treatment was conducted with five replicates, hosting 20 adult thrips each, and the entire experiment was replicated twice to ensure reliability. Figure 25 shows the comparative effectiveness of encapsulated (Tetramix®) and unencapsulated formulations in nitrogen fixation in terms of root biomass of strawberry plants. Both formulations contain active ingredients from Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, Trichoderma harzianum BNL2931, Bacillus subtilis BNL905, and Azotobacter chroococcum BNL801, contributing to increased plant health and reduce diseases. Using a Nap sack sprayer, the formulations were applied 0, (untreated), 4 x 1011, 4 x 1012, and 4 x 1013 cfu / ha. To facilitate spore release before application, Tetramix® capsules were pre-treated with 10 mM sodium citrate. Control groups received water mixed with 0.05% Tween-80. Strawberry plants were assessed 30 and 60 days after treatment. Each treatment involved 30 plants, and the entire experiment was replicated twice for reliability. Figure 26: This figure illustrates the comparative effectiveness of encapsulated (Tetramix®) and unencapsulated formulations in terms of root length and biomass of strawberry plants. Both formulations contain active ingredients from Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101, Trichoderma harzianum BNL2931, Bacillus subtilis BNL905, and Azotobacter chroococcum BNL801, contributing to increased plant health and reduce diseases. Using a Nap sack sprayer, the formulations were applied 0, (untreated), 4 x 1011, 4 x 1012, 4 x 1013 cfu / ha. To facilitate spore release before application, Tetramix® capsules were pre-treated with 10 mM sodium citrate. Control groups received water mixed with 0.05% Tween-80. Strawberry plants were assessed 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment. Each treatment involved 30 plants, and the entire experiment was replicated twice for reliability. T1: untreated control; T2: Unencapsulated (4 x 1011 cfu / ha); T3: Unencapsulated (4 x 1012 cfu / ha); T4: Unencapsulated (4 x 1013 cfu / ha); T5: Tetramix®(4 x 1011 cfu / ha); T6: Tetramix®(4 x 1012 cfu / ha); T7: Tetramix® (4 x io13 cfu / ha). DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Singleton, etal., Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 20 Ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York (1994), and Hale &Marham, The Harper Collins Dictionary of Biology, Harper Perennial, NY (1991) provide the skilled person with a general dictionary of many of the terms used in this disclosure. The meaning and scope of the terms should be clear; however, in the event of any latent ambiguity, definitions provided herein take precedence over any dictionary or extrinsic definition. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc., described herein and as such can vary. This disclosure is not limited by the exemplary methods and materials disclosed herein, and any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of this disclosure. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims. The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while method steps or functions are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform functions in a different order, or functions may be performed substantially concurrently. The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other procedures or methods as appropriate. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the compositions, functions and concepts of the above references and application to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. Moreover, due to biological functional equivalency considerations, some changes can be made in protein structure without affecting the biological or chemical action in kind or amount. These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the detailed description. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The headings provided herein are not limitations of the various aspects or embodiments of this disclosure. As used herein, the term "capable of when used with a verb, encompasses or means the action of the corresponding verb. For example, "capable of controlling" also means controlling, "capable of promoting" also means promoting, and "capable of targeting..." also means targets. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within this disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in this disclosure. As used herein, the articles "a" and “an” may refer to one or to more than one (e.g. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. In this application, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "including", as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included", is not limiting. “About” may generally mean an acceptable degree of error for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Exemplary degrees of error are within 20 percent (%), typically, within 10%, and more typically, within 5% of a given value or range of values. Preferably, the term “about” shall be understood herein as plus or minus (±) 5%, preferably ± 4%, ± 3%, ± 2%, ± 1%, ± 0.5%, ± 0.1%, of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. The term "consisting of" refers to compositions, methods, and respective components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the invention. As used herein the term "consisting essentially of refers to those elements required for a given invention. The term permits the presence of elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel or functional characteristic(s) of that invention (i.e. inactive or non-immunogenic ingredients). Embodiments described herein as “comprising” one or more features may also be considered as disclosure of the corresponding embodiments “consisting of” and / or “consisting essentially of” such features. In the context of this document, "and / or" indicates that each of the two specified features or components, either individually or in combination, is explicitly disclosed. For instance, "A and / or B" should be understood as specifically disclosing (i) A, (ii) B, and (iii) A and B, as if each possibility were presented separately within the document. Concentrations, amounts, volumes, percentages and other numerical values may be presented herein in a range format. It is also to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. The terms "decrease", "reduced", "reduction", or "inhibit" are all used herein to mean a decrease by a statistically significant amount. The terms "reduce," "reduction" or "decrease" or "inhibit" typically means a decrease by at least 10% as compared to a reference level (e.g. the absence of a given treatment) and can include, for example, a decrease by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% , or more. As used herein, "reduction" or "inhibition" encompasses a complete inhibition or reduction as compared to a reference level. "Complete inhibition" is a 100% inhibition (i.e. abrogation) as compared to a reference level. The terms "increased", "increase", "enhance", or "activate" are all used herein to mean an increase by a statically significant amount. The terms "increased", "increase", "enhance", or "activate" can mean an increase of at least 25%, at least 50% as compared to a reference level, for example an increase of at least about 50%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%, or at least about 99%, or at least about 100%, or at least about 250% or more compared with a reference level, or at least about a 1.5-fold, or at least about a 2-fold, or at least about a 2.5-fold, or at least about a 3-fold, or at least about a 4-fold, or at least about a 5-fold or at least about a 10-fold increase, or any increase between 1.5-fold and 10-fold or greater as compared to a reference level. In the context of a yield or titre, an "increase" is an observable or statistically significant increase in such level. As used herein, the term “biopesticide” is used to refer to a microbial biopesticide (also referred to as a biological control agent). Such microbial biopesticides include bacteria, fungi, protozoans, viruses, viroids, peptides and mycoplasmas. As used herein, the term “microbial agent” is used to describe the biopesticide and / or other microbes present within the microencapsulated particles. Thus, the term “microbial agent” may refer to any bacterium, fungus, protozoon, virus, viroid, peptide or mycoplasma present in the particles of a microencapsulated preparation of the invention. Typically, as described herein microbial agents that may be present within the microencapsulated particles of the invention may be selected from insect pathogenic fungi, pathogenic bacterial strains, plant growth promoting fungi and / or nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “microencapsulated preparation” refers to a preparation or composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of microcapsules, also referred to herein as particles. Such particles are small spherical structures comprising an enclosed material. The enclosed material in the particle may be referred to as the core, internal phase, or fill. In the case of the present invention, the enclosed material is the one or more biopesticide as described herein. The one or more biopesticide is typically contained within a carrier, which may also be referred to as a shell or wall. Said carrier is typically hydrophilic. The terms “entomopathogenic” and “insect pathogenic” are used herein to refer to biopesticides which can kill or impact the health of one or more species of insect, typically wherein said one or more species of insect is an agricultural and / or horticultural pest. Such insect pathogenic activity includes, but is not limited to, killing the insect, inhibiting development of the insect, altering fertility or growth of the insect in such a manner that the insect provides less damage to the plant, decreasing the number of offspring produced, producing less fit insects, producing insects more susceptible to predator attack or deterring the insects from eating the plant. The term “plant growth promoting fungi” or PGPF is used herein to describe a heterogeneous group of non-pathogenic fungi that can be obtained in rhizosphere, at the root surfaces or inside the roots of plant. PGPF are naturally occurring saprophytes, which help to maintain soil fertility that, in turn, increases plant growth. As used herein, the term “nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain” refers to a bacterial strain which converts nitrogen to ammonia and then assimilate it to organic compounds such as amino acids. As used herein, the term “insecticidally effective amount” refers to an amount which induces mortality, disrupts or impedes growth, interferes with metamorphosis or other morphogenic functions, effects sterilization, and / or interferes with reproduction of one or more target insects. The term “population of insects” as used herein may refer to a mixed-species, geographically discreet population of insects, or single-species, geographically discreet population of insects. As used herein, the terms "controlling an insect population" or "controls an insect" refers to any effect on an insect that results in limiting the damage that the insect causes. Controlling an insect includes, but is not limited to, killing the insect, inhibiting development of the insect, altering fertility or growth of the insect in such a manner that the insect provides less damage to the plant, decreasing the number of offspring produced, producing less fit insects, producing insects more susceptible to predator attack or deterring the insects from eating the plant. “Controlling a population of insects” typically means that the number of insects within a population of insects is reduced, principally through mortality, at a level that is significantly greater than a population to which the method of the present invention is not performed, or a microencapsulated preparation of the invention is not present. The term “agronomically acceptable” as used herein means approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a state government, or listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Register, European Environment Agency Register or other generally recognized register. The term “biological stability” as used herein refers to the maintenance of viability of the microbial agents over time and / or a range of temperatures. By way of non-limiting example, a preparation with increased biological stability may comprise microbial agents that remain viable for a longer period of time compared to a relevant control (e.g. the corresponding unencapsulated microbial agents or said agents encapsulated using conventional techniques). Alternatively or in addition, a preparation with increased biological stability may comprise microbial agents that remain viable at higher and / or lower temperatures compared to a relevant control (e.g. the corresponding unencapsulated microbial agents or said agents encapsulated using conventional techniques). Maintaining viability may be defined in terms of the survival of the microbial agents. By way of non-limiting example, a microbial agent may be considered viable if at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% at least 95%, at least 99%, or more. When the microbial agents are present as spores, maintaining viability may preferably be defined in terms of germination rate. By way of nonlimiting example, a microbial agent may be considered viable if the germination rate of the spores is at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or more. Preferably, a microbial agent may be considered viable if the germination rate of its spores is at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99%. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that such publications constitute prior art to the claims appended hereto. Microencapsulated Preparations The present invention provides microencapsulated biopesticide preparations. In particular, the present invention provides a microencapsulated preparation which comprises or consists of particles which themselves comprise or consist of (a) a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101); and (b) a hydrophilic carrier. Said particles may further comprise or consist of at least one bacterial strain, as defined herein. As demonstrated here, the preparations and methods of the invention are suitable for encapsulating combinations of two or more different microbial agents within a single preparation. Accordingly, the invention also provides a microencapsulated preparation comprising or consisting of particles which themselves comprise or consist of: (a) at least one insect pathogenic fungus and (ii) at least one additional microbial agent; and (b) a hydrophilic carrier. In particular, the invention provides a microencapsulated preparation comprising or consisting of particles which themselves comprise or consist of: (a) at least one insect pathogenic fungus and (ii) at least one bacterial strain; and (b) a hydrophilic carrier. A preparation may contain at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, or more different microbial agents. Each microbial agent may be independently selected. By way of non-limiting example, each microbial agent may be independently selected from any appropriate bacterial, fungal, protozoal, viral, viroidal, peptide or mycoplasmal agent, such as those described herein. The two or more different microbial agents may be comprised in the same particles within a microencapsulated preparation of the invention, i.e. the particles may contain mixed populations of microbial agents. Alternatively, the two or more different microbial agents may be comprised in separated particles within a microencapsulated preparation of the invention, i.e. each particle may contain a single type of microbial agent, but multiple populations of different particles may be present in the preparation. Within a preparation, some particles may contain a single type of microbial agent, whereas other particles may contain mixed populations of microbial agents. Biopesticides As described herein, the microbial agent(s) present in a microencapsulated preparation of the invention may be independently selected. As used herein, the term “microbial agent” is used to describe the biopesticide and / or other microbes present within the microencapsulated particles. Typically, as described herein microbial agents that may be present within the microencapsulated particles of the invention may be selected from insect pathogenic fungi, pathogenic bacterial strains, plant growth promoting fungi and / or nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains, or combinations thereof. Suitable microbial agents for encapsulating in a microencapsulated preparation of the invention are known in the art and may be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. In particular, described herein are exemplary fungal and bacterial strains which may be microencapsulated alone or in combination in the preparations of the invention. Typically the microencapsulated preparations of the invention comprise or consist of at least one insect pathogenic fungus, and optionally may further comprise or consist of at least one additional microbial agent. Said at least one additional microbial agent may be selected from one or more of a bacterial strain and / or at least one plant growth-promoting fungus and / or at least one nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain. In some preferred embodiments, a microencapsulated preparation may further comprise at least one bacterial strain (e.g. a pathogenic bacterial strain and / or a nitrogenfixing bacterial strain) and / or at least one plant growth-promoting fungus. Preferably the microbial agent is substantially biologically pure, which will be appreciated by the skilled reader as meaning that the strain is comprised mostly of the microbial agent of interest substantially without any biological contaminants, within a degree of error as is appreciably feasible using standard manufacturing practices and processes. Insect Pathogenic Fungi A microencapsulated preparation of the invention typically comprises one or more insect pathogenic fungus, as defined herein. Any insect pathogenic fungus may be used according to the present invention, such as Metarhizium, Beauveria, Lecanicillium, Isaria, Nomuraea and Hirstiulla species. Typically, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus may be selected from any Metarhizium spp. or Beauveria spp. strains. Preferably, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is selected from those listed in Table 1. More preferably, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is selected from the Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), or the Beauveria bassiana fungal strain. Even more preferably, at least the Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101) is microencapsulated. Pathogenic Bacterial Strains Alternatively or in addition, the microencapsulated preparation may further comprise or consist of at least one pathogenic bacterial strain. Said pathogenic bacterial strain may also be insect pathogenic, as described herein. Non-limiting examples of insect pathogenic bacterial strains include Bacillus spp. (including one or more of subtilis, cereus, firmus, megaterium, pumilis, sphaericus, and / or thuringiensis var. israelensis), as well as Purpureocillium lilacinum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Paenibacillus popilliae, Photorhabdus, Xenorhabdus and Serratia spp.. Preferably, the pathogenic bacterial strain is a Bacillus spp., more preferably the pathogenic bacterial strain is B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905). Plant-Growth Promoting Fungi Alternatively or in addition, the microencapsulated preparation may further comprise or consist of at least one plant-growth promoting fungi (PGPF), as described herein. PGPF is a well-known term of art used to describe non-pathogenic fungi that can be obtained in rhizosphere, at the root surfaces or inside the roots of plant. Non-limiting examples of PGPF include Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Ampelomyces quisgualis, Fusarium spp., and Phoma spp.. Preferably, the PGPF is a Trichoderma spp., more preferably the PGPF is Rhizophagus irregularis or the PGPF is T. harzianum having IMI CC Number 507495 (BNL2931). Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterial Strains Alternatively or in addition, the microencapsulated preparation may further comprise or consist of at least one nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain, as described herein. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are a well-known in the art and encompass bacteria which convert nitrogen to ammonia. Such bacteria often establish symbiotic relationships with plants. Non-limiting examples of nitrogen-fixing bacteria include rhizomes such as Paenibacillus, Azotobcator species, Allorhizobium, Azorhizobium, Rhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Encifer, Bradyrhizobium, and cyanobacteria. In particular, non-limiting examples include Paenibacillus azotofixans\ Azotobacter chroococcum having IMI CC Number 507493 (BNL801); Azotobacter vinelandir, Azospirillum lipoferunr, Bradyrhizobium japonicum: Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus-, Herbaspirillum frisingenseand Frankia. Preferably, the nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain is a Azotobacter spp., more preferably the nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain is A. chroococcum having IMI CC Number 507493(BNL801). Other Plant-Growth Promoting Bacterial Strains Alternatively or in addition, the microencapsulated preparation may further comprise or consist of at least one plant-growth promoting bacterial strain, as described herein. Plant-growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are a well-known in the art and encompass bacteria such as phosphorus solubilising bacteria, potassium mobilising bacteria, silica solubilising bacteria, iron mobilising bacteria, zinc mobilising bacteria, sulphur mobilising bacteria and magnesium mobilising bacteria. Non-limiting examples of phosphorus solubilising bacteria include Bacillus megaterium- Paenibacillus polymyxa-, and Pseudomonas striata. Non-limiting examples of potassium mobilising bacteria include Frateuria aurantia and Bacillus mucilaginosus. Non-limiting examples of silica solubilising bacteria include Bacillus mycoi des. Non-limiting examples of iron mobilising bacteria include Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Non-limiting examples of zinc mobilising bacteria include Starkeya novella. Non-limiting examples of sulphur mobilising bacteria include Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Non-limiting examples of magnesium mobilising bacteria include Penicillium citrinum. Preferred Combinations of Microbial Agents The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising two or more of (a) an insect pathogenic fungus; (b) a pathogenic bacterial strain; (c) a PGPF; and / or (d) a nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain. Typically the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus and at least one of (a) a pathogenic bacterial strain; (b) a PGPF; and / or (c) a nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain. The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus and a pathogenic bacterial strain. The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus and a PGPF. The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus and a nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain. The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus, a pathogenic bacterial strain and a PGPF. The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus, a pathogenic bacterial strain, and a nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain. The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus, a PGPF, and a nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain. The invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising one or more insect pathogenic fungus, a pathogenic bacterial strain, a PGPF, and a nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising two or more of (a) a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; (b) a B. subtilis strain; (c) a Trichoderma spp. fungal strain; and / or (d) an Azotobacter spp. bacterial strain. Typically the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain and at least one of (a) a B. subtilis strain; (b) a Trichoderma spp. fungal strain; and / or (c) an Azotobacter spp. bacterial strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain and a B. subtilis strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain and a Trichoderma spp. fungal strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain and an Azotobacter spp. bacterial strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain, a B. subtilis strain and a Trichoderma spp. fungal strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain, a B. subtilis strain, and an Azotobacter spp. bacterial strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain, a Trichoderma spp. fungal strain, and an Azotobacter spp. bacterial strain. In particular, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain, a B. subtilis strain, a Trichoderma spp. fungal strain, and an Azotobacter spp. bacterial strain. Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising two or more of (a) a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; (b) a B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905); (c) a T. harzianum having IMI CC Number 507495 (BNL2931); and / or (d) an A. chroococcumhav'mg IMI CC Number 507493 (BNL801). Typically the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; and at least one of (a) a B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905); (b) a T. harzianum having IMI CC Number 507495(BNL2931); and / or (c) an A. chroococcum having IMI CC Number 507493(BNL801). Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; and a B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905). Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; and a T. harzianum having IMI CC Number 507495 (BNL2931). Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101, and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; and an A. chroococcum having IMI CC Number 507493 (BNL801). Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; a B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905); and a T. harzianum having IMI CC Number 507495 (BNL2931). Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; a B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905); and an A. chroococcumhav'mg IMI CC Number 507493 (BNL801). Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; a T. harzianum having IMI CC Number 507495 (BNL2931); and an A. chroococcum having IMI CC Number 507493 (BNL801). Preferably, the invention provides microencapsulated preparations comprising ; a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), and / or a Beauveria bassiana fungal strain; a B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905); a T. harzianum having IMI CC Number 507495 (BNL2931); and an A. chroococcum having IMI CC Number 507493 (BNL801). Spores Typically, the microbial agents (i.e. the fungal and / or bacterial strains) may be present in the particles comprised microencapsulated preparation of the invention as spores. Preferably the spores comprise at least one selected from: conidia; blastospores. Preferably, the spores are substantially biologically pure. As discussed above, the term "substantially biologically pure" in the context of the present invention will be taken by the skilled person to mean a degree of purity that is practicable using currently available manufacturing practices and processes. The number of spores of each microbial agent (e.g. insect pathogenic fungus, pathogenic bacterial strain, PGPF and / or nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain) may be selected independently. The number of spores of each microbial agent in a particle may be between about 1 to about 2000, such as between about 1 to about 500, between about 1 to about 400, between about 1 to about 300, between about 1 to about 200, between about 1 to about 100, between about 1 to about 50, between about 1 to about 20, between about 100 to about 500, between about 200 to about 500, between about 300 to about 500, between about 400 to about 500, between about 100 to about 400, between about 200 to about 400, between about 300 to about 400, between about 500 to about 2000, between about 500 to about 1750, between about 500 to about 1500, between about 500 to about 1250, between about 500 to about 1000, between about 1000 to about 2000 between about 1500 to about 2000.. Where multiple microbial agents are present in a capsule, the number of spores of each microbial agent may be adjusted such that the total number of spores (from all microbial agents) is controlled. By way of non-limiting example, the number of spores of each microbial agent in a particle may be between about 100 to about 500, such as about 100, about 150, about 200, about 250, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450 or about 500. Preferably, the number of spores of each microbial agent in a particle may be between about 300 to about 500. The total number of spores (from all microbial agents) comprised in each particle may be between about 1 to about 6000, typically between about 1 to about 2000, such as between about 1 to about 500, between about 1 to about 150, between about 1 to about 100, between about 1 to about 50, between about 1 to about 40, between about 1 to about 30, between about 1 to about 25, between about 1 to about 20, between about 1 to about 15, between about 5 to about 200, between about 5 to about 150, between about 5 to about 100, between about 5 to about 50, between about 5 to about 40, between about 5 to about 30, between about 5 to about 25, between about 5 to about 20, between about 5 to about 15, or between about 20 to about 100 spores, between about 500 to about 1500 spores, between about 1000 to about 1500 spores, between about 1000 to about 1200 spores or between about 1500 to about 2000 spores. In some embodiments, the total number of spores (from all microbial agents) comprised in each particle may be between about 1 to about 2000 spores, such as between about 1 to about 1750 spores, between about 1 to about 1500 spores, between about 1 to about 1250 spores, between about 1 to about 1000 spores, between about 500 to about 1500 spores, between about 1000 to about 1500 spores, between about 1000 to about 1200 spores or between about 1500 to about 2000 spores. In some preferred embodiments, the total number of spores (from all microbial agents) comprised in each particle may be between about 500 to about 1500 spores, between about 900 to about 1500 spores, between about 900 to about 1250 spores, between about 1000 to about 1200 spores or between about 1500 to about 2000 spores. The total number of spores can therefore be about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, about 1000, about 1100, about 1200, about 1300, about 1400, about 1500, about 1600, about 1700, about 1800, about 1900 or about 2000 Preferably, the total number of spores comprised in each particle is between about 500 to about 2000, such as between about 500 to about 1500, or between about 900 to about 1250 spores, or between about 1000 to about 1500, or between about 1500 to about 2000. More preferably, the total number of spores comprised in each particle is between about 1000 to about 1500. Carriers As described herein, a microencapsulated preparation comprising or consisting of particles which themselves comprise a hydrophilic carrier. This hydrophilic carrier may be polar or non-polar. Preferably, the hydrophilic carrier is an agronomically acceptable carrier, therefore suitable for use in professional plant protection, horticultural, forestry and agricultural applications or home garden. Typically, the hydrophilic agronomically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof. Preferably, the agronomically acceptable carrier comprises sodium alginate, pectin, gum Arabic, guar gum or methyl cellulose. More preferably, the agronomically acceptable carrier comprises sodium alginate. Any appropriate concentration of the agronomically acceptable carrier may be present in a preparation of the invention. As exemplified herein, typically, the agronomically acceptable carrier is present at a concentration of between about 1 % to about 10% (w / v), such as between about 1% to about 5% (w / v) of the preparation (e.g. about 1% (w / v), about 1.5% (w / v), about 2% (w / v), about 2.5% (w / v), about 3% (w / v), about 3.5% (w / v), about 4% (w / v), about 4.5% (w / v), or about 5% (w / v)). Preferably, the agronomically acceptable carrier is present at a concentration of about 2% (w / v). The particles comprised in the microencapsulated preparation of the invention may further comprise an additional carrier. This additional carrier may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Preferably, the additional carrier is hydrophilic. Typically, the additional carrier is selected from the group of bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof. Preferably, the additional carrier is selected from guar gum, gum arabic, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and pectin, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the additional carrier is gum arabic and / or guar gum. Typically, the agronomically acceptable carrier and the additional carrier may be present at a ratio of between about 9:1 (w / w) to about 9.9:0.1 (w / w). Preferably, the agronomically acceptable carrier and the additional carrier are present at a ratio of about 9.5:0.5 (w / w). As exemplified herein, testing different additional carriers with an agronomically acceptable carrier (exemplified with alginate) in this ratio indicates a negligible effect on total water content, showing promise for potential use. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the agronomically acceptable carrier is sodium alginate and the additional carrier is selected from gum Arabic, pectin or guar gum, wherein the ratio of sodium alginate: gum Arabic / pectin / guar gum is about 9.5:0.5 (w / w). Properties of said microencapsulated preparations The microencapsulated preparations of the present invention have the potential to provide several advantages over conventional biopesticide products. As described herein, the present inventors have identified a new Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IM I CO Number 506833 (BNL101). As exemplified herein, microencapsulated preparations of the invention comprising this new Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain exhibit insect pathogenic activity against a range of insect pests including Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), and large raspberry aphids (Amphorophora idaei). In particular, microencapsulated preparations of the invention comprising this new Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain exhibit improved insect pathogenic activity compared with unencapulsated spores from this Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain. The inventors have also shown that the microencapsulated preparations of the present invention are capable of containing two or more different microbial agents within their particles, and that these agents remain viable and active when combined in this way. Accordingly, the inventors have developed a microencapsulation platform that involves the encapsulation of two or more microbial agents, particularly the spores of two or more microbial agents in a manner which can be readily scaled from laboratory to commercial use. Non-limiting examples of combinations of microbial agents which can be encapsulated in the microencapsulated preparations of the invention are described herein. Generally, the particles comprised in the microencapsulated preparation of the invention are of a median diameter of between 1 to 1000 pm. Typically, the particles are of a median diameter of between about 1 pm to about 300 pm. Preferably, the particles are of a median diameter of between about 1 pm to about 150 pm. More preferably, the particles are of a median diameter of between about 50 pm to about 100 pm. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that particles having this median size permits increased sprayability without occluding the disposing hose. The microbial agents comprised in microencapsulated preparations of the invention may have improved biological stability. This improved biological stability may be compared with (i) the corresponding microbial agents in unencapsulated form; and / or (ii) the corresponding microbial agents in a conventional encapsulation product. This improvement in biological stability may be an increased shelf-life. Thus, the microbial agents comprised in the microencapsulated particles of the invention may maintain their biological stability for at least 6 months. Preferably, the microbial agents maintain their biological stability for at least 12 months. More preferably, the microbial agents maintain their biological stability for at least 15 months. Even more preferably, the microbial agents maintain their biological stability for at least 17 months. This improvement in biological stability may be an increased tolerance to high and / or low temperature. Thus, the microbial agents may maintain their biological stability between temperatures of from about 0°C to about 40°C, typically from about 5°C to about 25°C. In some preferred embodiments, the encapsulated microbial agents maintain their biological stability for at least 15 months at temperature of from about 5°C to about 25°C. Particularly preferably, the encapsulated microbial agents maintain their biological stability for at least 17 months at temperature of 25°C. As exemplified herein, a microencapsulated preparation of particles containing the active ingredient Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 (MicroSafe®) exhibited 95% and 96% biological stability at 5°C and 25°C respectively after 17 months. Water retention by the particles within a microencapsulated formulation is important for the biological stability of the microbial agents. Water migrates from areas of high-water activity (aw) to areas of low water activity (aw). Pure water has a water activity of 1. The microencapsulated particles of the invention may have a water activity of less than 0.6. Preferably, the water activity of the microencapsulated particles is less than 0.5. More preferably, the water activity of the microencapsulated particles is less than 0.4. Water loss from microencapsulated preparations of the invention may be reduced compared with a composition without the microencapsulated preparation. Said comparator composition may be a corresponding composition without the microencapsulated preparation, e.g. the composition may comprise the same microbial agents, but in an unencapsulated form. By way of non-limiting example, the time taken to reach 95% water loss may be at least 80 minutes, such as at least 90 minutes, at least 95 minutes, at least 100 minutes, at least 105 minutes, at least 110 minutes, at least 115 minutes, at least 120 minutes, or more. Preferably, the time taken to reach 95% water loss may be at least 100 minutes. Typically, the microencapsulated preparation comprising the particles of the invention is provided for storage or use in a solid or liquid form. Preferably, the microencapsulated preparation comprising the particles of the invention is in a powder or suspension form. In embodiments wherein, the composition comprises a powder, the powder can preferably be applied directly to crops and plants. In other embodiments, the powder can preferably be mixed with a liquid and preferably applied directly to soil or to crops as a solution, a dispersion, a suspension and / or a mixture. The composition can preferably be comprised within a spray which can preferably be a foliar spray. The composition of the present invention is preferably a contact bioinsecticide, and without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that subsequent control of an insect population is not solely dependent upon ingestion of the composition by insects within said population. It is thought that the composition is preferably arranged to attach to a host insect cuticle, preferably where it can penetrate the exoskeleton of the host insect and subsequently cause morbidity and / or mortality within the host insect, preferably without entering the wider environment. In some particularly preferred embodiments, a microencapsulated preparation of particles containing the active ingredient Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 (MicroSafe®) is provided herein. The exemplified encapsulation method is reproducible, as demonstrated by consistent size distributions, median particle size, and minimal moisture loss in humid conditions. Such formulations are demonstrated herein to exhibit improved sprayability, with no nozzle blocking during spray sessions, even in the presence of particulates. The microencapsulated preparations of the invention typically provide improved adhesion and / or retention on treated plants compared with (i) the corresponding microbial agents in unencapsulated form; and / or (ii) the corresponding microbial agents in a conventional encapsulation product. Retention may be increased by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15 or more. Alternatively or in addition, the microencapsulated preparations of the invention may provide improved foliar coverage compared with (i) the corresponding microbial agents in unencapsulated form; and / or (ii) the corresponding microbial agents in a conventional encapsulation product. Foliar coverage may be increased by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15% or more. Adhesion, retention and / or foliar coverage may be further improved by including an adjuvant in the microencapsulated preparation for spraying. Non-limiting examples of suitable adjuvants include organosilicon. In particular, the addition of an adjuvant such as organosilicon to a microencapsulated preparation may improve mobility of the particles on leaf surfaces. Methods for Producing Microencapsulated Preparations The invention also provides a method for producing microencapsulated preparations of the invention. Said method typically comprises or consists of (a) contacting the microbial agents with a solution of the carrier to produce a suspension of the microbial agents in the carrier solution and (b) (i) emulsification of the suspension to produce particles; or (ii) drip casting the suspension to produce particles. Emulsification Method The microbial agents can be prepared for mixing with the carrier solution by suspending the microbial agents in a dilute surfactant solution. By way of non-limiting example, the microbial agents may be suspended in a 0.01% - 0.5% (v / v) surfactant solution, preferably in a 0.03% - 0.05% (yN) surfactant solution. Suitable surfactant are known in the art, and it is within the routine practice of one of ordinary skill to select a suitable surfactant. By way of non-limiting example, as exemplified herein, polysorbate 80 (Tween-80) may be used. The carrier solution may be prepared by mixing the agronomically acceptable carrier (and the additional carrier when present) with water and optionally a surfactant. The viscosity of the carrier solution can be adjusted as necessary to achieve a viscosity of between about 200 mPas to about 250 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1 °C). By way of non-limiting example, a carrier solution for use in a method of the invention may have a viscosity of about 225 mPas to about 235 mPas, particularly about 231 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1°C). Contacting the microbial agents with a solution of the carrier to produce a suspension of the microbial agents in the carrier solution typically involves mixing of the carrier solution and microbial agents. The suspension may be allowed settle for at least 15 minutes (preferably about 30 minutes) prior to emulsification. The suspension is then emulsified in a continuous oil phase. Emulsification may be carried out at a temperature of between about 15°C to about 30°C, such as between about 20°C to about 30°C, typically at about 25°C. Any appropriate oil may be used for the continuous oil phase. As exemplified herein, sunflower oil is used. The concentration of the oil used for the continuous oil phase may be between about 0.5 g / mL to about 5 mg / mL, such as between about 0.5 g / mL to about 2.5 g / mL, between about 0.75 g / mL to about 1.5 g / mL, or between about 0.75g / mL to about 1.0 g / mL, preferably of about 0.9 g / mL. Emulsification may take place by agitating at a speed of between about 200 rpm to about 1000 rpm, such as between about 200 rpm to about 750 rpm, between about 200 rpm to about 500 rpm, between about 250 rpm to about 500 rpm. As exemplified herein, an agitation speed of 400rpm is used. The duration of emulsification step is not limited, provided that a stable emulsion is achieved. By way of non-limiting example, the emulsification step may be between about 10 minutes to about 2 hours, such as between about 15 minutes to about 90 minutes, between about 15 minutes to about 60 minutes, between about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes. Preferably the duration of the emulsification step is about 30 minutes. CaCh may be added to facilitate particle formation. The concentration of CaCh may be between about 40 mg / mL to about 200 mg / mL, such as between about 40 mg / mL to about 150 mg / mL, between about 40 mg / mL to about 100 mg / mL, between about 40 mg / mL to about 75 mg / mL. Preferably, the concentration of CaCh may be about 50 mg / mL. Following encapsulation, agitation may be stopped, and the resulting particles extracted by vacuum filtration, optionally using a filter with a pore size of 0.2 pm. The extracted particles may be washed with a surfactant solution (such as 0.03% Tween-80 solution) and either dried at room temperature or preserved as a concentrated oil slurry. Any or all of the components used in the production of particles according to the invention may be sterilized before use. The dilute surfactant solution used to suspend the microbial agents for contacting with the carrier solution and the solidification bath are typically sterilized by autoclaving. Any appropriate autoclaving protocol may be used (e.g. 121 °C for 15 minutes, as described herein). The agronomically acceptable carrier (and the additional carrier when present) is typically sterilized by pasteurization. In particular, an aqueous solution of the agronomically acceptable carrier (and the additional carrier when present) and optionally a surfactant is typically heated to at least 50°C (preferably about 70°C) for at least 15 minutes (preferably about 30 minutes) and then cooled. Following cooling, the viscosity of the carrier solution can be adjusted as necessary to achieve a viscosity of between about 200 mPas to about 250 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1°C). By way of non-limiting example, a carrier solution for use in a method of the invention may have a viscosity of about 225 mPas to about 235 mPas, particularly about 231 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1°C). Sterilizing the agronomically acceptable carrier (and the additional carrier when present) by pasteurization is preferable, as the high temperatures required for autoclaving can lead to undesirable and / or unpredictable variations in viscosity in the agronomically acceptable carrier (and the additional carrier when present), which can in turn lead to variation in the size distribution and morphology of the particles. In particular, pasteurization of the agronomically acceptable carrier (and the additional carrier when present) at 70°C for 30 minutes is the most effective sterilization method for removing bacterial contaminants without significantly altering microcapsule morphology. Autoclaving the agronomically acceptable carrier (and the additional carrier when present) is avoided due to lower spore retention and reduced viability. Drip Casting Method The method provided by the invention to produce a microencapsulated preparation comprising at least one pathogenic fungus typically comprises the steps of preparing an aqueous solution comprising a hydrophilic carrier, a non-ionic surfactant and the at least one insect pathogenic fungus and drip casting said aqueous solution into a solidification solution comprising a divalent metal salt and a biocompatible polymer, whereby said drip casting forms microencapsulated particles. The aqueous solution may be prepared by mixing a carrier solution and a microbial agent solution prior to the drip casting step. Therefore, a method of the invention may further comprise one or more steps of preparing the carrier solution and / or preparing the microbial agent solution. The carrier solution may be prepared by mixing the hydrophilic carrier (and the additional carrier when present) with water and optionally a suitable surfactant Suitable surfactants are known in the art, and it is within the routine practice of one of ordinary skill to select a suitable surfactant. Preferably the surfactant comprises or consists of a non-ionic surfactant. By way of non-limiting example, as exemplified herein, polysorbate 80 (Tween-80) may be used. In some aspects of the invention, the concentration of the surfactant in the carrier solution is between about 0.1% w / w to about 1% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 0.5% w / w. The hydrophilic carrier may be present in the carrier solution at a concentration of about 0.5% w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 1% w / w, more preferably at a concentration of about 0.8% w / w. The viscosity of the carrier solution can be adjusted as necessary to achieve a viscosity of between about 200 mPas to about 250 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1 °C). By way of non-limiting example, a carrier solution for use in a method of the invention may have a viscosity of about 225 mPas to about 235 mPas, particularly about 231 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1°C). The microbial agent solution can be prepared for mixing with the carrier solution by suspending the microbial agents in a dilute surfactant solution. Suitable surfactants are known in the art, and it is within the routine practice of one of ordinary skill to select a suitable surfactant. Preferably the surfactant comprised in the microbial agent solution comprises or consists of a non-ionic surfactant. Alternatively or in addition, the surfactant is the same used in the carrier solution. By way of non-limiting example, as exemplified herein, polysorbate 80 (Tween-80) may be used. In some aspects of the invention the concentration of the surfactant in the microbial agent solution is between about 0.1% w / w to about 1% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 0.5% w / w. Typically, the concentration of the surfactant is the same used in the carrier solution. Preferably the microbial agent solution comprises at least one insect pathogenic fungus. The insect pathogenic fungus may be any insect pathogenic fungus, such as those described herein. In some aspects, the insect pathogenic fungus may be a Metarhizium, Beauveria, Lecanicillium, Isaria, Nomuraea or Hirstiulla species. Typically, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus may be selected from any Metarhizium spp. or Beauveria spp. strains. Preferably, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is selected from those listed in Table 1. More preferably, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is selected from the Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833 (BNL101), or the Beauveria bassiana fungal strain. Even more preferably, the at least the Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain is BNL101. In some aspects, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is present in the microbial agent solution at a concentration of between about 1 % w / w to about 10% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 5% w / w. The microbial agent solution (and hence the aqueous solution) mays further comprise at least one bacterial strain, a nitrogen-fixing bacteria and / or a plant growth-promoting fungus, non-limiting examples of which are described herein. Non-limiting examples of insect pathogenic bacterial strains include Bacillus spp. (including one or more of subtilis, cereus, firmus, meg a terium, pumilis, sphaericus, and / or thuringiensis species), as well as Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Paenibacillus popilliae, Photorhabdus, Xenorhabdus and Serratia spp. Preferably, the pathogenic bacterial strain is a Bacillus spp., more preferably the pathogenic bacterial strain is B. subtilis having IMI CC Number 507494 (BNL905). Non-limiting examples of nitrogen-fixing bacteria include rhizomes such as Allorhizobium, Azorhizobium, Rhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Encifer, and Bradyrhizobium, cyanobacteria and Frankia. Preferably, the nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain is a Azotobacter spp., more preferably the nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain is A. chroococcum having IMI CC Number 507493 (BNL801). Non-limiting examples of plant-growth promoting fungi include Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Phoma spp. Preferably, the plant-growth promoting fungi is a Trichoderma spp., more preferably the PGPF is T. harzianumhaVmg IMI CC Number 507495 (BNL2931). The microbial agent solution (and hence the aqueous solution) may optionally comprises one or more additional insect pathogenic fungus, non-limiting examples of which are described herein. Contacting the microbial agent solution with the carrier solution to produce the aqueous solution typically involves mixing of the carrier solution and microbial agent solution, and allowing the solution to settle for at least 15 minutes (preferably about 30 minutes). Typically the aqueous solution is allowed to settle until the foam generated by the surfactant has settled. In some aspects, the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of between about 0.1% w / w to about 2% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 1 % w / w. Alternatively or in addition, the aqueous solution may comprise the hydrophilic carrier at a concentration of between about 0.5% w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 1 % w / w, more preferably at a concentration of about 0.8% w / w. Further alternatively or in addition, the aqueous solution may comprise the surfactant at a concentration of between about 0.1% w / w to about 1% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 0.5% w / w. Typically, the hydrophilic carrier is an agronomically acceptable carrier selected from the group consisting of bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof. Preferably, the agronomically acceptable carrier comprises sodium alginate, pectin, gum Arabic, guar gum or methyl cellulose. More preferably, the agronomically acceptable carrier comprises sodium alginate. The additional carrier may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Preferably, the additional carrier is hydrophilic. Typically, the additional carrier is selected from the group of bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof. Preferably, the additional carrier is selected from guar gum, gum arabic, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and pectin, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the additional carrier is gum arabic and / or guar gum. Optionally, the aqueous solution can be sieved prior to drip casting. The sieve size is not particularly limited. As exemplified herein, a sieve size of 20 pm was used. The aqueous solution then undergoes drip casting to produce particles. Drip casting may be carried out by forcing the aqueous solution through a nozzle and into the solidification solution. Drip casting is a well-known term in the art, and refers to the extrusion of a fluid or solution into another fluid or solution or onto a surface. The shape and size of the particles produced through drip casting will depend on the pressure applied to the fluid or solution, the diameter of extrusion die and the pulse parameters (amplitude and frequency). Drip casting may be carried out using different well known in the art apparatus. By way of non-limiting example, as exemplified herein, drip casting may be caried out using a nozzle of a preferred diameter. The diameter of the nozzle used for drip casting may be between about 50 pm to about 200 pm, such as between about 75 pm to about 150 pm, or between about 75 pm to about 125 pm, preferably about 100 pm. Drip casting may be carried out at a frequency of between about 5,000 Hz to about 10,000 Hz, such as between about 7,000 Hz to about 10,000 Hz, between about 7,000 Hz to about 9,000 Hz, preferably about 8,000 Hz. Drip casting may be carried out at a pressure of between about 200 mBar to about 1000 mBar, such as between about 200 mBar to about 750 mBar, between about 400 mBar to about 750 mBar, or between about 400 mBar to about 600 mBar, preferably at about 500 mBar. Drip casting may be carried out at an amplitude of between about 1,000 mV to about 10,000 mV, such as between about 2,000 mV to about 8,000 mV, between about 3,000 mV to about 8,000 mV, between about 4,000 mV to about 6,000 mV, preferably about 5,000 mV. As exemplified herein, drip casting may be carried out using a nozzle with a diameter of 100 pm, at a frequency of 8,000 Hz, a pressure of 500 mBar, and an amplitude of 5,000 mV. The solidification solution is typically an solution comprising or consisting of a divalent metal salt, preferably a calcium salt and more preferably CaCh in water. The solidification solution optionally further comprising a biocompatible polymer, preferably polyethylene glycol 1500 (PEG 1500). In certain aspects, the divalent metal salt is present in the solidification solution at a concentration of between about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 4% w / w. Typically, when CaCh is the divalent metal salt, the concentration of CaCh may be between about 40 mg / mL to about 200 mg / mL, such as between about 40 mg / mLto about 150 mg / mL, between about 40 mg / mLto about 100 mg / mL, between about 40 mg / mL to about 75 mg / mL. Preferably, the concentration of CaCh may be about 40 mg / mL or about 50 mg / mL. In certain aspects, the biocompatible polymer is present in the solidification solution at a concentration of between about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 2% w / w. Typically, when PEG 1500 is the biocompatible polymer, the concentration of PEG 1500 may be between about 1 mg / mL to about 100 mg / mL, such as between about 1 mg / mL to about 50 mg / mL, between about 10 mg / mL to about 50 mg / mL, between about 10 mg / mL to about 30 mg / mL. Preferably, the concentration of PEG may be about 20 mg / mL. The method of production may comprise one or more additional step. Said one or more additional step may be include steps such as separating the resulting microencapsulated particles from the solidification solution (e.g. by filtration, centrifugation or sedimentation); washing the microencapsulated particles, typically with water; and / or packing the microencapsulated particles, typically in a suspension and optionally in a ratio of 35 to 15 parts water. As exemplified, the aqueous solution comprises sodium alginate at a concentration of about 0.8% w / w, Tween-80 at a concentration of about 0.5% w / w and Metarhizium spp, BNL101 at a concentration of about 1% w / w; and the solidification solution comprises CaCh at a concentration of about 4% w / w and PEG 1500 at a concentration of about 2% w / w. The manufacturing process described hereby may be applied to the production of any of the microencapsulated preparation of the invention disclosed herewith. Any or all of the components used in the production of particles according to the invention may be sterilized before use. The dilute surfactant solution used to suspend the microbial agents for contacting with the carrier solution and the solidification solution are typically sterilized by autoclaving. Any appropriate autoclaving protocol may be used (e.g. 121°C for 15 minutes, as described herein). The hydrophilic carrier (and the additional carrier when present) is typically sterilized by pasteurization. In particular, an aqueous solution is typically heated to at least 50°C (preferably about 70°C) for at least 15 minutes (preferably about 30 minutes) and then cooled. Following cooling, the viscosity of the carrier solution can be adjusted as necessary to achieve a viscosity of between about 200 mPas to about 250 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1°C). By way of non-limiting example, a carrier solution for use in a method of the invention may have a viscosity of about 225 mPas to about 235 mPas, particularly about 231 mPas at room temperature (e.g. 22.1CC). Sterilizing the hydrophilic carrier (and the additional carrier when present) by pasteurization is preferable, as the high temperatures required for autoclaving can lead to undesirable and / or unpredictable variations in viscosity in the hydrophilic carrier (and the additional carrier when present), which can in turn lead to variation in the size distribution and morphology of the particles. In particular, pasteurization of the hydrophilic carrier (and the additional carrier when present) at 70°C for 30 minutes is the most effective sterilization method for removing bacterial contaminants without significantly altering microcapsule morphology. Autoclaving the hydrophilic carrier (and the additional carrier when present) is avoided due to lower spore retention and reduced viability. Methods for Controlling Insect Populations The invention provides further methods for controlling a population of insects. Said methods may be suitable for use in professional plant protection, horticultural, forestry and agricultural applications or in home garden. A method of the invention typically comprises or consists of providing a microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising such a preparation to the insect population and controlling said insect population. Typically the method provides an insecticidally effective amount of one or more microbial agent as described herein to said insect population. Thus, typically the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising such a preparation comprises an insecticidally effective amount of said one or more microbial agent Typically, the insecticidal activity of a composition with the microencapsulated preparation of the invention is at least 30% greater, such as at least 35% greater, at least 40% greater, at least 50% greater or more than a composition without the microencapsulated preparation. Said comparator composition may be a corresponding composition without the microencapsulated preparation, e.g. the composition may comprise the same microbial agents, but in an unencapsulated form. Alternatively or in addition, a composition comprising the microencapsulated preparation of the invention is of such insecticidal activity that the amount of composition required control the population of insects is at least 2 times less, such as at least 2.5 times less, at least 3 times less or lower than the amount of a composition without the microencapsulated preparation. Said comparator composition may be a corresponding composition without the microencapsulated preparation, e.g. the composition may comprise the same microbial agents, but in an unencapsulated form. A microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation may be provided to a population of insects such that the concentration of microbial agents provided is at least about 108 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per mL, such as at least about 109 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per mL, at least about 1010 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per mL, at least about 1011 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per mL, at least about 1012 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per mL, at least about 1013 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per mL or more. Such concentration may also be referred to as cfu / mL, i.e. at least about at least about 108 cfu / mL, such as at least about 109 cfu / mL, at least about 1010 cfu / mL, at least about 1011 cfu / mL, at least about 1012 cfu / mL, at least about 1013 cfu / mL or more. Alternatively or in addition, microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation may be provided to a population of insects such that the concentration of microbial agents provided is at least about 108 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per hectare, such as at least about 109 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per ha, at least about 1010 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per ha, at least about 1011 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per ha, at least about 1012 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per ha, at least about 1013 microbial agents (e.g. spores) per ha or more. Such concentration may also be referred to as cfu / ha, i.e. at least about at least about 108 cfu / ha, such as at least about 109 cfu / ha, at least about 1010 cfu / ha, at least about 1011 cfu / ha, at least about 1012 cfu / ha, at least about 1013 cfu / ha or more. The invention also provides for controlled release of the microbial agents comprised in the microencapsulated particles of the invention. Thus, the present invention provides a method for controlling a population of insects, said method comprising providing a microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation and controlling the release of the microbial agents therein and hence exposure of the insect population to said microbial agents. Controlled release may enable the insect population to be exposed to the microbial agents over a longer period compared with a composition without the microencapsulated preparation. Said comparator composition may be a corresponding composition without the microencapsulated preparation, e.g. the composition may comprise the same microbial agents, but in an unencapsulated form. For example, exposure to the microbial agents may be maintained for at least 5 days, at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks or more. Alternatively, or in addition, controlled release may allow the user to determine when after providing the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation to the insect population the insects are exposed to the microbial agents therein. Typically, the controlled release of the microbial agents comprises contacting the microencapsulated particles with sodium citrate. This contacting can be simultaneous or sequential with the providing the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation to the insect population. Typically, the microencapsulated particles can be mixed with sodium citrate prior to application, i.e. prior to providing said microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation to the insect population or as part of the application process. By way of nonlimiting example, mixing with sodium citrate may be carried out 2 hours before, 1 hour before, 30 minutes before, 15 minutes before, 10 minutes before, 5 minutes before, or simultaneously with application of the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation to the insect population. Alternatively, the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation can be provided to the insect population and sodium citrate or a composition comprising sodium citrate provided subsequently. By way of non-limiting example, mixing with sodium citrate may be carried out 1 day after, 12 hours after, 8 hours after, 6 hours after, 2 hours after, 1 hour after, 30 minutes after, 15 minutes after, 10 minutes after, or 5 minutes after providing the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation to the insect population. Preferably the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation is contacted with sodium citrate prior to providing the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation to the insect population. Preferably, the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation is contacted with sodium citrate at a concentration of at least about 5 mM, such as at least about 6 mM, at least about 7 mM, at least about 8 mM, at least about 9 mM, at least about 10 mM, at least about 15 mM, at least about 20 mM or more. More preferably the microencapsulated preparation of the invention or a composition comprising said preparation is contacted with sodium citrate at a concentration of about 10 mM. The microencapsulated preparation and the methods of the invention may be used to control insect populations comprising a wide range of insect pests, such as western flower thrip, weevils, aphids, whitefly, spider mites, caterpillars, chafers, ticks, midges and / or mosquitos. By way of non-limiting example, the microencapsulated preparation and methods of the invention may be efficacious against Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalism Black Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)', raspberry aphids (Amphorophora idaei)', Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae); Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae sppy, Aphids (Myzus persicae): Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti', Anopheles stephensi', Cui ex quinquefasciatusy Ticks (Ixodes sppy Armyworms (Spodoptera litturay European May beetle (Melolontha melolonthay June beetle (Hoplia philanthusy Leatherjackets (Tipula paludosay Wireworm (Agriotes sppy Biting midge (Culicoides spp) and / or Pine weevil (Hylobius abietis). Preferably, the microencapsulated preparation and methods of the invention are efficacious against Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalism Black Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) and / or raspberry aphids (Amphorophora idaei). Even more preferably, the microencapsulated preparation and methods of the invention are efficacious against Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalism, Black Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) and raspberry aphids (Amphorophora idaei). Microencapsulated preparations of the invention have improved insect pathogenic activity against a range of insect pests including adult thrips, vine weevil larvae and large raspberry aphids. In particular, as exemplified herein, a microencapsulated preparation of particles containing the active ingredient Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 (MicroSafe®) has improved insect pathogenic activity against adult thrips, vine weevil larvae, and large raspberry aphids compared to unencapsulated spores of this microbial agent. Thrip mortality ranged from 50.8 ± 3.3% to 100% with MicroSafe®, contrasting with unencapsulated spores’ lower rates of 34% ± 2.0% and 72.5 ± 3.8%. MicroSafe® caused mortality rates of 56.7%, 78.3%, and 100% at doses of 105 cfu / mL, 106 cfu / mL, and 107 cfu / mL, while unencapsulated spores showed lower rates of 38.3%, 46.7%, and 73.3%. Aphid mortality varied from 37.8% ± 2.2% to 71.7% ± 1.7% with unencapsulated spores, but MicroSafe® achieved higher efficacy, ranging from 52.2% ± 2.1% to 100%. In greenhouse conditions, both unencapsulated and MicroSafe® microencapsulated Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 spore effectively controlled Amphorophora idaei infestations on raspberry plants. MicroSafe® was notably more effective, reducing aphid populations by 53.8 ± 1.3% in week 1, increasing to 89 ± 0.51% in week 3, compared to unencapsulated spores, which caused a reduction of 31.7 ± 1.16% in week 1 and 66 ± 1.2% in week 3. Whilst these advantages are exemplified herein for a microencapsulated preparation of particles containing the active ingredient Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 (MicroSafe®), one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that microencapsulated preparations of the invention comprising other microbial agents (particularly in addition to Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101) would also exhibit these advantageous properties. The microencapsulated products of the invention may be useful in the protection of monocots and / or dicots. Examples of plants of interest include, but are not limited to, corn (Zea mays), Brassica spp. (e.g., B. napus, B. rapa, B. juncea), particularly those Brassica species useful as sources of seed oil, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), rice (Oryza sativa), rye (Secale cereale), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum vulgare), millet (e.g., pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), finger millet (Eleusine coracana)), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), saffiower (Carthamus tinctorius), wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybean (Glycine max), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), cotton (Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus), cassava (Manihotesculenta), coffee (Coffea spp.), coconut (Cocos nucifera), pineapple (Ananas comosus), citrus trees (Citrus spp.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), tea (Camellia sinensis), banana (Musa spp.), avocado (Per sea americana), fig (Ficus casica), guava (Psidium guajava), strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), raspberry (Rubus spp., e.g. R. idaeus and R. occidentalis), mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), papaya (Carica papaya), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), almond (Prunus amygdalus), sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), oats, barley, vegetables ornamentals, and conifers. In some embodiments, protection of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) and / or raspberry (Rubus spp., e.g. R. idaeus and R. occidentalis) may be preferred. Vegetables include tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), lettuce (e.g., Lactuca sativa), green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), lima beans (Phaseolus limensis), peas (Lathyrus spp.), and members of the genus Cucumis such as cucumber (C. sativus), cantaloupe (C. cantalupensis), and musk melon (C. melo). Ornamentals include azalea (Rhododendron spp.), hydrangea (Macrophylla hydrangea), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasanensis), roses (Rosa spp.), tulips (Tulipa spp.), daffodils (Narcissus spp.), petunias (Petunia hybrida), carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), and chrysanthemum. Conifers that may be employed in practicing the embodiments include, for example, pines such as loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), slash pine (Pinus elliotii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponder osa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)', Western hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)-, Sitka spruce (Picea giauca)\ redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)- true firs such as silver fir (Abies amabilis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea)-, and cedars such as Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and Alaska yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). Plants of the embodiments include crop plants (for example, corn, alfalfa, sunflower, Brassica, soybean, cotton, safflower, peanut, sorghum, wheat, millet, tobacco, etc.), such as corn and soybean plants. Turf grasses include, but are not limited to: annual bluegrass (Poa annua)-, annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)- Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa); Chewing's fescue (Festuca rubra)-, colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris); crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum)-, fairway wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum)-, hard fescue (Festuca longifolia); Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis)-, orchardgrass (Dactylis glomeratay, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)-, red fescue (Festuca rubra)-, redtop (Agrostis alba)-, rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis)-, sheep fescue (Festuca ovina)-, smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis)-, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)-, timothy (Phleum pretense)-, velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina)-, weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans)-, western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii)-, Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.)-, St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum); zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.)-, Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum), carpet grass (Axonopus ajfinis)-, centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)-, kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandesinum)-, seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)-, blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis)-, buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloids)-, sideoats gramma (Bouteloua curtipendula). Further compositions of the invention The invention further provides a microencapsulated composition comprising B. subtilis BNL905 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. The invention further provides a microencapsulated composition comprising T. harzianum BNL2931 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. The invention further provides a microencapsulated composition comprising A chroococcum BNL801 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. The invention further provides a microencapsulated composition comprising M. anisopliae BNL101. The invention further provides a microencapsulated composition comprising B. bassiana and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may comprise B. subtilis BNL905 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may comprise T harzianum BNL2931 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may comprise A. chroococcum BNL801 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may comprise M. anisopliae BNL101 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may comprise B. bassiana and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition according to the invention may consist of B. subtilis BNL905 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition according to the invention may consist of T. harzianum BNL2931 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition according to the invention may consist of A. chroococcum BNL801 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition according to the invention may consist of M. anisopliae BNL101. A microencapsulated composition according to the invention may consist of B. bassiana and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may consist of B. subtilis BNL905 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may consist of T. harzianum BNL2931 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may consist of A. chroococcum BNL801 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may consist of M. anisopliae BNL101 and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. A microencapsulated composition produced according to a method of the invention may consist of B. bassiana and optionally at least one agronomically acceptable excipient. Any of said microencapsulated composition may comprise the single microbial agent specified, or optionally one or more additional microbial agent, such as those described herein. Said microbial agent(s) may preferably be present as a spore. The total number of spores may be as defined herein in relation to microencapsulated compositions comprising multiple microbial agents. The at least one agronomically acceptable excipient may be as defined herein in relation to microencapsulated compositions comprising multiple microbial agents. Typically a preparation containing one of said microbial agents have greater activity compared with a preparation without said agent. The activity will depend on the microbial agent in question. By way of non-limiting example, a composition comprising M. anisopliae BNL101 may have greater insecticidal activity compared with a corresponding composition without M. anisopliae BNL101. By way of a further non-limiting example, a composition comprising B. subtilis BNL905 may have greater insecticidal activity compared with a corresponding composition without B. subtilis BNL905. By way of a further non-limiting example, a composition comprising T. harzianum BNL2931 may have greater plant growth promoting activity compared with a corresponding composition without T. harzianum BNL2931. By way of a further non-limiting example, a composition comprising B. bassiana may have greater insecticidal activity compared with a corresponding composition without B. bassiana. By way of a further non-limiting example, a composition comprising A. chroococcum BNL801 may have nitrogen-fixing activity compared with a corresponding composition without A. chroococcum BNL801. The activity of a composition comprising any of said microbial agents may be at least two-times greater, such as at least three-times greater, at least four-times greater, or more than a corresponding composition without the microbial agent. Any of such compositions may be used alone or in combination in methods for controlling insect populations, promoting plant growth and / or promoting plant health. The insect populations may be any as described herein. EXAMPLES The invention is now described with reference to the Examples below. These are not limiting on the scope of the invention, and a person skilled in the art would be appreciate that suitable equivalents could be used within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the Examples may be considered component parts of the invention, and the individual aspects described therein may be considered as disclosed independently, or in any combination. Microbials All of the microbials used in this study were collected from natural soil and naturally infested insects in the UK (Table 1). They were then isolated and cultured using selective media and identified to the species level. The fungal and bacterial strains were selected based on their commercial traits, such as high virulence, stability, high spore yield and wide host range. The stock culture of these strains was stored at -20°C in an aqueous glycerol solution (30% v / v). M. anisopliae BNL101, B. bassiana, and T. harzianum BNL2931 were produced at an industrial scale by Sylvan Bio, USA using solid-state fermentation. To achieve this, five batches of 20kg rice substrates were produced and spores were harvested using a mechanical harvester. The number of colony-forming units per gram of dry powder was determined to be over 90% viable. On the other hand, B. subtilis BNL905and A. chroococcum BNL801 were cultured differently using liquid fermenters. Table 1: Insect Pathogenic Fungal Strain and Geographical Origin Strain Fungal species CABI IMI CC number Host or Source Geographic origin BNL101 Metarhizium anisopliae 506833 Western flower thrips, Frinkiniella occidentalis Kings Caple, HR, England Test insects For laboratory and greenhouse experiments, we cultured Western flower thrips (WFT) and raspberry aphids (Amphorophora idaei), as well as Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus). Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics were calculated using Microsoft Excel for various parameters such as capsule diameter, number of spores per microcapsule, moisture content of copolymers, water activity in samples, and spray liquid retention on leaves. A two-sample t-test was used to compare the mortality percentages induced by microencapsulated and unencapsulated fungal spores against different insect pests for analysis of the laboratory bioassay data. For the analysis of the data obtained from the glasshouse efficacy trial, a two-way ANOVA was conducted. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 29 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Example 1: Experimental setup of microencapsulation The core materials consist of four microorganisms namely M. anisopliae BNL101, T. harzianum BNL-2931, B. subtilis BNL905, and A. chroococcum BNL801. These materials were encapsulated either individually or in a single particle structure. The hydrophobic nature of M. anisopliae BNL101 and T. harzianum BNL2931 spores required their suspension in 0.03 - 0.05% Tween-80 solution. The concentration of the working suspension was approximately 1.0 x 107 (1 mg / mL) or as stated in individual studies. The encapsulation process used a continuous oil phase, namely sunflower oil with a density of approximately 0.9 g / mL. A 500 mL jacketed reactor was used for the encapsulation process. The reactor temperature was carefully stabilized at 25°C. The spore suspension was mixed with a polymer solution to attain the desired concentration. The resulting mixture was prepared for encapsulation. A turbine impeller (Rushton turbine with a 72 mm2 blade impeller) operating at an agitation speed of 400 rpm for a duration of 30 minutes was used to disperse the mixture of spores and polymer into the continuous oil phase, thus forming a stable emulsion. To facilitate the encapsulation process, either calcium chloride (CaCh) powder or concentrated CaCh solution (in the range of 1 g to 250 mg) was added to the water / oil (w / o) system. The formulation involved testing various co-polymers, as indicated in Table 2. It was found that the final concentration of dry anhydrous CaCL per mL of the water phase should be 50 mg. Agitation was maintained at a speed of 600 rpm for an additional 40 to 60 minutes for the cross-linking reaction to occur. Once the stirring was stopped, the MicroSafe® that had formed and settled at the bottom of the vessel were removed by vacuum filtration, using either Whatman paper filters or Whatman nitrocellulose membrane filters with a pore size of 0.2 pm. The extracted material was then washed with a surfactant solution (such as 0.03% Tween-80 solution) and either dried at room temperature or preserved as a concentrated oil slurry. Solutions of sodium alginate were tested at concentrations of 1.5%, 2.0%, 3.0% and 4.0%, and it was determined that a concentration of 2% was the most suitable for further study. Capsules prepared with a higher concentration (30% and 20%) of copolymers, such as Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and methyl cellulose (MC), tended to agglomerate more than those prepared with a 10% co-polymer addition. Table 2: Samples of microcapsules were prepared using different co-polymers # Polymers cone. (%) Base polymer Copolymer Copolymer cone. (%) Approx, spores Crosslinker (mg / ml sol) Polymerisation time (min) 1 4 SA - - nil 200 120 2 2 SA - - 103 200 120 3 2 SA - 107 200 120 4 3 SA - - 107 200 120 5 2 SA - - 107 50 10,20,30,40, 60, 120 6 2 Pectin - - 107 50 30 7 2 Pectin - - 107 50 60 8 2 SA Pectin 30 107 50 40 9 2 SA HPMC 30 107 50 40 10 2 SA Pectin, HPMC 25, 25 107 50 40 11 2 SA HPMC 20 107 50 40 12 2 SA MC 20 107 50 40 13 2 SA HPMC 10 107 50 40 14 2 SA MC 10 107 50 40 15 2 SA MC 10 107 50 40 16 1.5 SA - - 107 50 40 17 1.5 SA - - 107 50 40 18 2 SA Gum Arabic 30 107 50 40 19 2 SA Guar gum 10 107 50 40 20 2 SA Pectin 5 107 50 40 SA= Sodium alginate, HPMC = Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, MC = Met hyl cellulose, GA = Gum Arabic, GG = Guar gum 5 Example 2: Characterisation of MicroSafe® Microscopic examination of MicroSafe® The MicroSafe® was examined using optical microscopy in both oil and water phases. To count the number of spores per capsule in the solution and observe capsule morphology, 10 a haemocytometer was used. A standard magnification of 10x (1.6) was used with a Leica microscope and Moticam Pro 252B. The MicroSafe® particles showed slightly irregular spherical or oval shape and varied in size and distribution, depending on the steering speed used to prepare the emulsion (Figure 1). 15 Spore density within MicroSafe® To determine the average number of spores per unit of volume, a study was conducted using different starting spore concentrations, ranging from 1 mg / mL to 30 mg / mL in polymer suspension. Multiple microcapsules from each preparation were randomly selected, which included 20 to 100 capsules. These capsules were then examined under an optical microscope. One milligram of dry spore powder contains approximately 5.0 x 107 cylindrical spores that have dimensions of about 2 pm in diameter by 7 pm in length. The concentration of spores in prepared suspensions was verified by counting them using a haemocytometer. For a set of four samples, the average number of spores per capsule was determined by mixing gum Arabic, Guar gum, and pectin in a 0.5:0.9 (w / w) ratio, as well as with alginate alone. The initial concentration of the spore suspension was 10 mg / mL, and it was emulsified at a rotation speed of 600 rpm. Micro Safe® size distribution The particle size distributions (PSDs) of the capsules were obtained using a Malvern Mastersizer2000. The capsules were filtered and then re-dispersed in water to measure their wet dispersion. The refractive properties of CaCh were taken into account, assuming that the particles were spherical in shape. The co-polymer preparations were also evaluated using the Mastersizer to determine if they had any impact on the size or morphology of the capsules. The data presented in Figure 2, Figure 3 and Table 4 shows the results of the MicroSafe® microcapsules with different co-polymer preparations in the 0.5:9.5 co-polymer to alginate ratio. The average PSDs indicate that all preparations have a uniform size distribution. The PSDs are moderately single-peak, implying that particles larger than 200 pm are likely agglomerations of smaller particles, while particles smaller than 10 pm are probably free-floating spores with a length of about 7 pm or oil droplets. The PSDs and median diameter confidence interval values suggest that the addition of co-polymers had little to no effect on the size of the capsules, and all preparations have a similar level of homogeneity. This is as expected, since the small amount of co-polymer added did not significantly alter the density or viscosity of the aqueous phase, and the same size distribution should be achieved with the same time for emulsification, crosslinking and sterilisation. All samples met the average capsule diameter specification of less than 100 pm and are therefore viable. The values for spore concentration in a normalised capsule (prepared using 10 mg dry spore powder per 1 mL of alginate / co-polymer solution) in Table 3 suggest that the addition of co-polymers had little to no effect on spore retention, as all 95% confidence intervals overlap, despite the different averages. Not many free spores were observed under microscopy, and all preparations displayed similar capsule shape and size, with the presence of small agglomerations. Table 3: The average number of spores per microcapsule Polymers, total cone. 2% Average capsule diameter (pm) Average conidia per capsule Average spores per unit volume (conidia / mm3) SA alone 42.25 ± 12.4 10.50 ±5.4 212,000 SA + gum Arabic 49.72 ±19.5 18.48 ± 15.4 196,000 SA + Guar gum 48.55 ±18.6 12.59 ±11.3 146,000 SA + Pectin 32.75 ±17.0 7.90 ±6.1 233,000 SA = Sodium alginate Table 4: For different co-polymer preparations, the median diameter, PSD span, and conidia concentration were measured and normalized to a 50 pm diameter capsule Sample Median diameter (pm) (95% Cl) Expected conidia in a D = 50 pm capsule (95% Cl) Span (95% Cl) Gum Arabic 61.6 (0.0-135.5) 12.8 (8.6-17.0) 2.3 (2.3-2.4) Pectin 55.5 (54.0-56.9) 15.2 (8.4-22.1) 2.5 (1.2-3.7) Guar gum 65.4 (10.1-120.8) 9.5 (6.0-13.1) 1.8 (1.7-1.9) Alginate only 68.1 (67.0-69.1) 13.9 (10.7-17.0) 2.8 (1.9-3.7) Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals (alginate / copolymer = 9.5 / 0.5) Thermal treatment of polymer solution The viscosity of polymers can be altered through thermal treatment of alginate and copolymer solutions. This, in turn, can lead to a variation in the size distribution and morphology of microcapsules. Two types of thermal treatment were studied to understand their effect on microcapsules - autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes (in a 1.5-hour cycle) and pasteurisation in a 70°C water bath for 30 minutes. For the study, three samples were prepared - autoclaved (#1), pasteurised (#2), and non-sterile (#3). Heat treatment of the alginate solution (2% concentration was used throughout the study) caused its visible colour change, with the autoclaved solution appearing hazy yellow in comparison to the very light yellow of the untreated solution. Crude viscosity analysis was conducted on the solutions confirmed that heat treatment had reduced the viscosity of the solution, with the autoclaved solution having the lowest viscosity. The optimal stirring speed for MicroSafe® formulation, for microcapsules of about 50-100 pm in diameter, is about 600 rpm. Preparations containing the co-polymers of higher viscosity (E.G HPMC) tend to form two-peak size distributions. The particle size distribution was measured for the three preparations together with optical microscopy study to observe the capsule morphology, and to conduct a spores count (Table 5). The median diameters of MicroSafe® microcapsules suggest there is a small reduction in particle size due to thermal treatment. The spores per capsule was found by calculating the number of spores per unit volume for each observed capsule (n >20) and weighting them by volume because an average number would be affected by small capsules that make up a small mass percentage of the sample. The most significant observed difference is in the ability of the capsules to hold spores. The spore number per capsule shows a much smaller value for the autoclaved preparation (30% below non-sterile), which is supported by the microscopy. Table 5: Conidia number and median diameter were normalized to a 50 pm diameter capsule Sample Median diameter, mm (95% Cl) Expected conidia number in a D=50 p.m capsule (95% ci) Span (95% Cl) Autoclaved 59.5 (50.9-68.1) 8.9 (5.5-12.4) 2.1 (1.5-2.8) Pasteurized 42.3 (29.0-55.6) 21.7 (15.0-28.5) 3.1 (1.4-4.9) Non-sterile 61.7 (50.6-72.9) 12.8 (8.7-17.0) 2.9 (1.6-4.3) Results presented with 95% confidence interval Mechanical strength of MicroSafe® The mechanical properties of MicroSafe® were evaluated using micromanipulation techniques. First, dried MicroSafe® were spread out on a glass slide and then a glass probe was placed on top of them. The probe was attached to a force transducer (Model 402A, Aurora Scientific, Canada) which was controlled by a motor to regulate the distance and speed. To assess the mechanical strength of wet capsules, a small chamber was utilised, and micromanipulation testing was performed in water. The air-dried MicroSafe® were found to be tough (transducers force scale: 0.5 g, 1 g, 5 g; sensitivity accordingly ~0.5 mN / V, ~0.9 mN / V, ~4.5 mN / V). Due to the matrix nature of the cross-linked polymer comprising the capsules, they showed elastic-plastic behaviour and did not show a rupture under compression (Figure 4). The ‘bouncing’ behaviour of capsules could be explained by the irregular shape of the dried capsules. The applied force needed to achieve the same displacement within dry and wet capsules was about 10 times less for wet capsules. This observation indicates that there is a high probability that wet capsules will be disrupted by a sheer force in the process of spraying. The Young's modulus was estimated for the spores-containing alginate microcapsules. This parameter is a mechanical property that measures the stiffness of a solid material. It defines the relationship between stress and strain in a material in the linear elasticity regime of a uniaxial deformation. Figure 5 shows the Young's modulus vs. microcapsule diameter (estimated for capsules prepared using 2% alginate solution) from which is obvious that the smaller the capsules, the more tough they are. The addition of co-polymers does not have significant effect on mechanical properties of MicroSafe® capsules. The suspension of alginate - HPMC microcapsules, when sprayed on a glass slide using small volume (100 ml) pulveriser, showed a rupture of a negligibly small number of capsules. Using the gardening piston pump sprayer CP 2 did not show any alginategum Arabic or alginate-pectin capsules rupture, but spores inside the microcapsules did germinate and grow through the capsule material easily. Water retention capability of MicroSafe® A Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS) instrument was used to determine the moisture content of MicroSafe®. The experiments were carried out at a temperature of 30°C and 70% RH to simulate the probable conditions in polytunnels for pesticide use. The study analysed the impact of co-polymers in the formulation on bound moisture and the rate of moisture release. The MicroSafe® sample, which can weigh between 1 mg and 4 g, was put into a small mesh basket suspended from the weighing mechanism of an ultra-sensitive recording microbalance. This specific microbalance can measure changes in sample mass lower than 0.1 ppm. For each measurement, between 10-30 mg of the membrane filtered MicroSafe® was used, and water was used as a solvent in a closed-loop operation to continuously correct humidity. To determine the moisture content of MicroSafe®, a Memmert Humidity Chamber was used. The heated air was circulated throughout the chamber with the help of large area all-round heating, while controlled evaporation of water from an external tank was provided by a self-priming pump through a dry steam generator. The sterile dry steam was mixed into the air flow above the fan. The MicroSafe® samples were weighed on aluminium pans using a Sartorius analytical balance, kept inside the chamber at 30°C and 70% RH, and reweighed once equilibrium mass had been achieved (greater than 4 h). A Sartorius moisture analyser was used to determine the water content of the MicroSafe®. The gentle heating mode at 105°C for 10 minutes was used for this purpose. It was done on the samples after analysing them in the humidity chamber to estimate the remaining water in the capsule matrix. Additionally, the Sartorius MA37 moisture balance was used to estimate the moisture level in the air-dried samples. These samples were conditioned at 58.7% humidity and 26.2°C for 4 hours, after being air-dried for 48 hours. Further analysis of the water-retaining properties of microcapsules was performed using samples prepared with gum Arabic, Pectin, and Guar gum as a co-polymer in a ratio of 0.5:9.5 to alginate. MicroSafe® produced with gum Arabic, Guar gum and pectin as co-polymers in a 0.5: 9.5 (w / w) ratio to sodium alginate were chosen for the detailed moisture release study. Figure 6 shows the results of DVS analysis of the samples. Each result is displayed separately for clarity, and Figure 7 shows the results overlapped for the ease of comparison. Repeats were conducted for each sample showing a small margin for error as demonstrated by the bars representing standard error. Repeats were not conducted for the dry spore sample (unencapsulated) and therefore the highest standard error observed from the DVS equipment (the gum Arabic sample) was assumed. These results clearly indicate that the encapsulation process aids in increasing moisture in the microclimate, as shown by the loss mass percentage of sample with dry spores only. This is both by increasing the total water content available to the spores, as well as slowing down the rate of moisture loss. However, although the average mass lost for the alginate only control is lower than the co-polymer formulations, the values are very similar even with the low margin of error from the DVS measurements. The time taken to reach 95% of total mass loss has also been calculated (see Table 6), as an estimate of the rate of moisture release. The selection of 95% has been chosen because as the rate of mass loss slows down significantly, using a higher value such as 99% would introduce a large amount of uncertainty, and the small amount of final moisture is unlikely to significantly affect germination. Based on these results in Table 6 there appears to be an effect on the rate of moisture loss from co-polymers. Table 6: Total capsule mass loss and time to 95% loss Sample Total Mass Loss (95% Cl) (%) Time to 95% Loss (95% Cl) (min) Gum Arabic 84.6 (79.7-89.5) 120.1 (98.4-141.8) Pectin 85.1 (84.4-85.8) 97.7 (82.0-113.4) Guar 84.9 (82.7-87.2) 106.8 (95.2-118.3) Alginate Only 83.9 (82.8-85.0) 118.3 (88.4-148.3) Spores Only 49.4 (44.4-54.3) 76.3 (54.6-98.0) Results presented with 95% confidence intervals. An alternative method for characterising moisture content is with the humidity chamber. The same samples which were analysed with DVS, were also tested in humidity chamber and results are shown in Table 7. The values for percentage of mass loss were systematically higher than the DVS method, likely due to transfer losses and exposure to lower humidity during transfer, or higher mass transfer per unit volume. But the relative difference between the samples is comparable, with all four encapsulated formulations losing a similar percentage of moisture content. The humidity chamber can tolerate a much larger sample mass than the DVS, meaning the resulting dried samples could be subsequently characterised using the moisture analyser, to calculate any remaining bound moisture when equilibrium had been reached with the humidity chamber conditions. The additional mass lost using the moisture analyser is shown in Figure 7 as a percentage of the chamber sample mass, as well as the combined mass lost. Table 7: Mass loss of different co-polymer preparations in a humidity chamber at 30°C and 70% RH, and loss from subsequent moisture analyser with gentle heating to 105°C Sample HC Mass Loss (95% Cl) (%) Moisture Analyser Mass Loss (95% Cl) (%) Total Mass Loss (95% Cl) (%) Gum Arabic 88.2 (86.9-89.4) 2.86 (2.63-3.09) 91.0 (89.6-92.5) Guar Gum 91.3 (89.6-93.0) 1.39 (1.25-1.53) 92.7 (90.8-94.6) Pectin 86.7 (86.6-86.9) 2.25 (2.02-2.48) 89.0 (88.6-89.4) Alginate only 88.7 (88.0-89.3) 1.37 (1.14-1.60) 90.0 (89.2-90.9) Spores Only 60.5 (58.8-62.2) 6.43 (5.22-7.63) 66.9 (64.0-69.8) These results show that the addition of a copolymer results in additional bound water remaining in the humidity chamber conditions. All 3 co-polymers on average were losing more mass on the moisture analyser, and both Gum Arabic and pectin having no overlap in confidence intervals with the alginate control preparation, and Gum Arabic performing 109% better than the control. However, there is no significant difference between samples for total mass loss when the humidity chamber and moisture analyser values and margins of error are combined. Gum Arabic and Guar appear to perform slightly better than pectin and the control, but the difference is likely to have a negligible effect on the ability of spores to germinate. Water activity measurements were conducted for all air-dried co-polymer preparations using an AquaLab 4TE Dew Point Water Activity Meter. This was completed to see if the microcapsules could be safely stored in ambient conditions without bacterial growth. These results are shown in Table 8 show that the average and upper limit of confidence intervals for water activity for all preparations is far below 0.6. This means all samples are viable for ambient storage without bacterial proliferation. Table 8: Water activity of co-polymer samples air dried in ambient conditions Sample Water activity, aw (95% Cl) Gum Arabic 0.379 (0.335-0.424) Pectin 0.395 (0.357-0.433) Guar 0.395 (0.357-0.433) Alginate Only 0.361 (0.322-0.401) Results presented with 95% confidence intervals. Example 3: Drip Casting Method: Pilot scale production of MicroSafe® Production of MicroSafe® All the materials used in the encapsulation process were sterilized through autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes, but the sodium alginate solution followed a different sterilization procedure. As in previous attempts, changes in viscosity during autoclaving were unreliable, so pasteurization was deemed more suitable. The process involved heating water to 70°C and adding 15.1 g of Alginate BR-Wand 7.5 g of Tween-80 to 1469.8 g of water. The mixture was kept at 70°C for 30 minutes. After the holding time, the alginate solution was cooled quickly to room temperature using ice packs. After cooling, any water lost during the holding stage was replenished, and Tween-80 was added. The measured viscosity of the resulting mixture was 231 mPa at22.1°C. The solidification bath was made up of 200 g of CaCh, 100 g of PEG 1500, and 4700 g of water. It was autoclaved before use. To prepare the Spore mix, 5% Spores were added to an autoclaved 0.5% Tween-80 solution. This mixture was then added to the alginate solution and stirred using an Ultra-Turrax. The mixture was allowed to settle for 30 minutes. During this time, the foam settled. The final composition included 0.5 g of Tween-80, 1.0 g of spores, 0.8 g of alginate BR-W, and 98.71 g of water. The mixture was sieved with a 20 pm sieve and drip casted using a nozzle with a diameter of 100 pm, a frequency of 8000 Hz, a pressure of 500 mBar, and an amplitude of 5000 mV. The resulting MicroSafe® beads had a diameter of approximately 140 pm. After preparing the feed mix, it was slowly poured into a CaCh solution using a nozzle with a diameter of 100 pm. The process parameters were the same as mentioned earlier, which included a frequency of 8000 Hz, pressure of 500 mBar, and amplitude of 5000 mV. This process was repeated five times to produce five separate samples, which were then washed with sterile water. Finally, the resulting MicroSafe® microspheres were packed in a ratio of 35 to 15 parts water. When alginate was used alone as matrix, it worked better than adding co-polymer in the mix. The resulting size distribution was ca. 90-160 pm as wet (Figure 8 and Figure 9). Controlled Release Test of MicroSafe® Method The MicroSafe® can be released by mixing it with a 10 mM sodium citrate solution. The concentration of sodium citrate used is carefully selected to dissolve the microcapsules, allowing the encapsulated spores to be released slowly. The chelation properties of sodium citrate with the alginate polymer are responsible for this dissolution of sodium alginate gels. Initially, sodium alginate forms a gel through cross-linking with calcium ions. Sodium citrate acts as a chelating agent and replaces calcium ions within the gel, breaking down the crosslinking structure. As a result, the gel matrix breaks down, and the encapsulated spores are released in a controlled manner. Example 4: Assessment of the shelf-life of MicroSafe® The viability of spores in MicroSafe® was tested at two different temperatures, 5°C and 25°C, to determine the impact of temperature and formulation. Monthly, samples were taken from stored microcapsules kept at varying temperatures, and a viability test was performed. Initially, MicroSafe® samples were mixed with a 10 mM Sodium Citrate solution for 60 seconds to dissolve the microcapsules and release the spores. Then, 30 pL of the spores' suspension was evenly spread onto the surface of Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates. These plates were sealed with parafilm and incubated at 25°C for 15 to 17 hours. After the incubation period, the plates were examined under a microscope at 40x magnification. The spores were considered germinated if the germ tube growth was equal to or greater than the width of the spores. A minimum of 300 spores per plate were counted at three distinct locations, and the viability percentage was calculated. During storage at 5°C, the germination rate of MicroSafe® encapsulated spores gradually decreased from an initial 100% at month 0 to 95% at month 17. In contrast, unencapsulated M. anisopliae BNL101 spores suspended in Tween-80 started at 100% at month 0, declined to 88% at month 6, further decreased to 76% at month 9, and eventually reached 0% by month 16. Dry un-encapsulated spores under the same conditions went from 100% at month 0 to 54% at month 2 and plummeted to 0% by month 6 (Figure 10). Over the 17-month period at 25°C (Figure 11), encapsulated spores consistently exhibited high germination rates, averaging 96%. Unencapsulated spores, both in dry and liquid form, showed declining rates, with dry spores plummeting from 100% to 1% after 2 months and then to 0%. Unencapsulated spores in the liquid form displayed a gradual decline, averaging 92% over the study, fluctuating between 90-98%. Example 5: Evaluation of sprayability and deposition of MicroSafe® The objective of the study was to assess the spray-ability and deposition of MicroSafe®, with and without the use of 10 mM sodium citrate. The study also aimed to compare the application of the MicroSafe® formulation on strawberry plants at a rate of 500 L / ha. The assessment encompassed the following parameters: (i) the amount of spray liquid retained on whole strawberry plants, (ii) the area of individual excised leaves covered by the spray, (iii) the spread of droplets on individual excised strawberry leaves, and (iv) the visualization of spray deposited on whole strawberry plants. Tank mix preparation and sprayability of MicroSafe® A static spray system was fitted with a single TeeJet nozzle, which was operated at 2.0 bar pressure. The test formulations (Batch 1420-0921 / 202200022-9; Manufactured: 7 / 3 / 2022; Concentration: 2.0 x 108 cfu / mL; Approximate number of capsules / mL is 200000) were stored at a temperature of 5-7°C until testing started. Before spraying, the tank mixtures (as listed in Table 9) were thoroughly mixed to ensure proper re-suspension of any settled material. In addition, 10 mM sodium citrate was added to help break down MicroSafe® for spore-controlled release. During spraying, observations and imagery of the spray fan were recorded, and any instances of nozzle blockage were noted. Samples of material causing nozzle blockage were collected, and microscopic images were taken. These samples were later evaluated for spore viability. Table 9: Comparison of different tank-mix treatments for their playability Tank mix Tank concentration (ml / L) MicroSafe® (1011 cfu / L) 8.7 MicroSafe® (1011 cfu / L) with 10 mM sodium citrate (2.9 g / L) 8.7 MicroSafe® = capsule containing viable spores of Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 During the preparation process, it was observed that the MicroSafe® tank mix contained more suspended lumps in comparison to the tank mix containing sodium citrate. Microscopic examination of these larger particulates confirmed their composition as clusters of capsules within a network of hyphae. However, these particulates did not disrupt the flow through the XR110-02VS nozzle, and a consistent fan angle and spray sheet were maintained throughout spraying for both tested tank mixes. Table 10 provides a summary of our observations, and Figure 12 illustrates the resulting spray fan under the tested conditions. The MicroSafe® exhibited sprayability both with and without the addition of sodium citrate, which is intended to enhance capsule breakup. Importantly, the presence of large particulates in the tank mix did not affect the maintenance of (i) fan angle, (ii) a consistent spray sheet, and (iii) the prevention of interruptions or stoppages during spraying (refer to Table 11, Figure 13 and Figure 14). Table 10: Observations during mixing and spraying. Parameter During mixing During spraying (XR110-02VS nozzle at 2.0 bar pressure) MicroSafe® (8.7ml / L) Several large pieces within suspended material No blocking during spraying, spray fan remained consistent MicroSafe® (8.7ml / L) with 10 mM sodium citrate Fewer large pieces within suspended material No blocking during spraying, spray fan remained consistent MicroSafe® = capsule containing viable spores of Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 Table 11. Observations of changes in capsules and spore pre and post spraying Spraying time MicroSafe® tank mixes (8.7 ml MCAP / L) MicroSafe® (1011 spores / ml) MicroSafe® (1011 spores / ml) Pre-spray The sample mainly consists of capsules, with the occasional loose conidia. The sample primarily consists of loose conidia, with only a few capsules present. Post spray Mostly capsules are present, with a slightly higher number of detached conidia in comparison to the previous spray. Only loose conidia and some capsule debris were observed during the examination. Efficacy of MicroSafe® applied products on Strawberry plants Three different tank mixes were evaluated, as shown in Table 10. The MicroSafe® with and without organosilicon were used, and a superspreader was added to the mix at a ratio of 0.01% w / v just before spraying. In addition, Naturalis®-L, a fungal-based bioinsecticide product, was applied at a rate of 3 L in 1000 L of water per hectare and served as a reference. Two TeeJet XR11002VS nozzles, spaced 0.5 m apart, were mounted on a small boom on a track sprayer. The pressure was set at 2.0 bar, and the strawberry plants were positioned 0.5 m below the nozzle. The track sprayer's speed was adjusted to deliver 500 L / ha for each treatment outlined in Table 12. To visualize and quantify the deposited spray liquid, a fluorescent tracer (pyranine) was added to all treatments at a concentration of 0.1%. Preliminary tests were carried out to confirm the tracer's recoverability and quantifiability in the presence of the formulation without interference. Table 12: Treatments compared after application to strawberry plants Tank mix Concentration ml / L 1 MicroSafe® (Add 10 mM sodium citrate to the solution) 8.7 2 MicroSafe® (The solution used in the experiment contained 10 mM of sodium citrate and 0.01% w / v of organosilicon, a type of superspreader. 8.7 3 Naturalis®L 3.0 MicroSafe® = capsule containing viable spores of Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 Quantity Retained on Whole Plants: We established standard reference curves for each tank mix within the spectrofluorometer’s dynamic range, as shown in Figure 15. Extracted samples were measured against their respective reference curves to determine the quantity of spray liquid retained on whole strawberry plants. Table 13 provides a summary of the mean quantities of spray liquid retained, and Figure 16 presents the results, with error bars depicting the variability observed across five replicate strawberry plants for each treatment. The addition of Organosilicon, a superspreader at a tank mix ratio of 0.01% w / v to MicroSafe® resulted in a slight increase in the quantity of material retained on the plant material, as illustrated in Figure 16. When compared to MicroSafe® without the adjuvant and Naturalis®-L, the MicroSafe® tank mix retained 80.8 pL / g of plant material, while MicroSafe® with Organosilicon, a superspreader at a rate of 0.01% w / v retained 90.6 pL / g, in contrast to Naturalise®-L, which retained 80.5 pL / g. Table 13: Mean quantity of spray liquid retained on a whole strawberry plant, for each tank treatment Treatments Mean (± SD) quantity of spray liquid in pl retained / g plant material (n = 5) MicroSafe® 1011 cfu / L 80.75 ± 5.22 MicroSafe® 1011 cfu / L with organosilicon, a superspreader (0.01% w / v) 90.57 ±5.88 Naturalis®-L 80.48 ± 3.54 Determination of MicroSafe® retention and leaf area coverage The purpose of this experiment was to measure how much MicroSafe® sticks to strawberry plants and how much of the plant's surface area is covered by each treatment. To conduct the experiment, five sprayed strawberry plants were allowed to dry briefly before being cut off at the soil level. Each plant was then individually sealed in a polythene bag, and the spray liquid was extracted using a known volume of 0.01 M NaOH. All extracts underwent centrifugation at 3000xg for 20 minutes to remove plant debris. The amount of spray liquid retained by each plant was measured against a reference curve created from a sample of the tank mix. The amount of liquid was measured using a spectrofluorimetric method. To determine the leaf area covered by each treatment, three leaves were cut from each strawberry plant and mounted on an angled frame. Images of each leaf were captured, and the leaf area covered by each treatment was analysed using WINDIAS software. Table 14 presents the image analysis results for three replicates of each treatment, and these data are visually represented in Figure 17. Notably, there was no statistically significant difference observed among the three tank treatments in terms of the percentage of leaf area covered. However, slight variations indicated that MicroSafe® provided the highest coverage, while Naturalis-L yielded the lowest. Specifically, the percentage of leaf area covered by the spray liquid for the respective treatments showed an increase when the adjuvant was tank mixed with MicroSafe®, measuring 31.15%, compared to 28.76% in MicroSafe®, and 27.05% coverage with Naturalis®-L. Table 14: Percentage of leaf area covered by applied treatment Treatments Percentage of leaf area covered. Tank mix RI R2 R3 Mean SD MicroSafe® (8.7 mL / L) with 0.01% w / v organosilicon, a superspreader 32.57 32.38 28.5 31.15 2.297 MicroSafe® (8.7 mL / L) 27.97 26.99 31.33 28.76 2.276 Naturalis®-L (3 mL / L) 31.07 23.08 27.01 27.05 3.995 Study of droplet spreading and visualization of spray deposition of MicroSafe® The aim of this experiment was to investigate how droplets spread and to observe how MicroSafe® is deposited on strawberry leaves and plants. For each treatment, three leaves were removed from the strawberry plant and mounted horizontally under a camera that was fixed at a consistent height above the leaf. A single 2 pL droplet was then placed onto the upper surface of each leaf, and pictures were taken at regular intervals for up to 10 minutes to study the spreading behaviour of the droplet. Furthermore, three replicate plants were sprayed for each treatment and immediately placed in a UV light booth. While the plant was still wet, images of the entire plant were taken to analyse how the treatment was distributed across its entire structure. We captured images of 2 pL fluorescently marked droplets at 5 seconds and 10 minutes after pipetting and summarized our observations (Table 15). Figure 18 provide visual examples showcasing how the fluorescent tracer highlights areas that received more sprayed liquid (resulting in darker areas) and areas where less or no spray was retained. Notably, areas with less deposited spray were typically located beneath the leaves, shielded by other parts of the plant, or oriented away from the direction of the spray. The plant's architectural features, leaf surface characteristics, and the orientation of plant structures made it challenging to make direct comparisons among the three treatments. Figure 19 further illustrates the mobility of the applied Internal Foliar Tracer Fluorescent with 0.01% w / v Organosilicon, a superspreader. In this treatment, the liquid coalesced on the smaller leaf blades and flowed down the stem toward the plant crown, a phenomenon not observed in the other treatments. Across all treatments, we observed instances of leaf shielding, where one plant structure cast shadows over another. The orientation of the leaf also influenced the extent to which the spray reached the underside of the leaf. Observations of pipetted droplets over a 10-minute period indicated that both the MicroSafe® and Naturalis®-L tank mixes did not spread effectively across the strawberry leaf surface. In contrast, the MicroSafe® tank mix with Organosilicon, a superspreader displayed some mobility, with the liquid showing limited spreading along the leaf's topography. This enhanced mobility, attributed to the inclusion of the adjuvant in the MicroSafe® tank mix, aligned with our observations during whole plant application. We observed evidence of coalesced liquid running down the leaf stems in this specific treatment. Table 15. Observations for droplets of each tank mix pipetted onto leaf surfaces Treatments Observations MicroSafe® No spreading occurred during the drying process, and there was minimal loss of volume detected after 10 minutes. MicroSafe® with 0.01% w / v organosilicon, a superspreader The droplets spread along the leaf veins due to the leafs architecture. Naturalis®-L No spread observed over a 10-minute period. Drying was slow, and there was very little detectable volume loss after 10 minutes. Example 6: Evaluation of MicroSafe® against insect pests in laboratory MicroSafe® against Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) adults The aim of this bioassay was to evaluate the effect of MicroSafe® encapsulated fungal spores of M. anisopliae BNL101 as compared to unencapsulated spores on the survival of adult F occidentalis, using three different application rates. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory using 0.5 L plastic containers measuring 17 cm x 11.5 cm, which were sourced from Tesco, UK. To ensure proper ventilation, we created multiple 4 cm diameter holes in the centre of the container lids and covered them with thrips-proof nylon gauze with a pore size of 64 pm to prevent thrips from escaping. We collected freshly enclosed adult F occidentalis from a laboratory rearing colony and placed them individually in the containers. We lined the containers with moist tissue paper and added one piece of green bean (8 cm in length) and one Chrysanthemum leaf. The experiment tested encapsulated fungal spores of M. anisopliae BNL101 versus unencapsulated spores. Three application rates were assessed: 1 x 1 o12, 1 x 1013, and 5 x 1013 cfu / ha. Prior to spraying, microcapsules were dissolved using 10 mM sodium citrate. Treatments were prepared in 30 mL universal tubes from Fisher Scientific, UK. Application was performed using the trigger spray head of a hand-held sprayer from Wilko, UK. Control treatments received sterile water containing Tween-80 at 0.05% (v / v). Thrips were allowed a five-minute acclimation period before treatment application. The thrips were kept at a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C and their mortality was recorded at 24-hour intervals over an eight-day period. Dead insects were examined under a binocular microscope to confirm the presence of fungal sporulation. Each treatment was replicated three times, with 20 insects per replicate, and the entire experiment was conducted twice. The results of the bioassay demonstrate that both encapsulated MicroSafe® and unencapsulated M. anisopliae are effective in controlling Western flower thrips adults. Thrips mortality rate varied from 50.8 ± 3.3% at a dose of 1012 cfu / ha to 100% at a dose of 5.0 x 1013 cfu / ha when sprayed with MicroSafe®. However, the mortality rates decreased to 34% ± 2.0% at a dose of 1012 cfu / ha and 72.5± 3.8% at a dose of 5.0 x 1013 cfu / ha when treated with unencapsulated spores. (Figure 20). A comparison was made between the mortality rates caused by two different treatments by conducting a two-sample t-test. The results indicated a significant difference in the treatments at all the tested concentrations. At a concentration of 1012 cfu / ha, the t-value was 4.344, F-value was 1, and p-value was 0.001. Similarly, at a concentration of 1013 cfu / ha, the t-value was 5.882, F-value was 0.225, and p-value was less than 0.001. Finally, at a concentration of 5.0 x 1013 cfu / ha, the t-value was 7.201, F-value was 16.875, and p-value was less than 0.001. MicroSafe® demonstrated exceptional efficacy in controlling Western flower thrips adults compared to unencapsulated spores. MicroSafe® demonstrated exceptional efficacy in controlling Western flower thrips adults compared to unencapsulated spores. Evaluation of MicroSafe® against Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) larvae Bioassays were carried out to compare the effects of encapsulated fungal spores MicroSafe® and unencapsulated fungal spores on third instar larvae of O. sulcatus. Unencapsulated spores were obtained directly from fresh cultures grown on SDA plates and were suspended in a sterile aqueous 0.03% Tween-80 solution. The spore suspensions were adjusted to concentrations of 105, 106, and 107 spores / mL using a haemocytometer. MicroSafe® encapsulated spores were released by mixing them with 10 mM sodium citrate, followed by adjusting their concentrations to 105, 106, and 107 spores / mL The larvae of O. sulcatus were immersed for 10 seconds in 1 ml of the respective spore suspension for each tested concentration. A control group was included, which consisted of larvae immersed in a sterile 0.03% (v / v) aqueous Tween-80 solution. After immersion, the suspensions were discarded, and the larvae were placed on filter paper to dry. Then, the larvae were transferred to Petri dishes with a 90 mm diameter, each lined with moist filter paper. One piece of carrot was provided as feed on alternate days (one piece per plate). The Petri dishes were sealed with parafilm and placed in incubators set at a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C, maintained in darkness. Mortality was recorded daily, and fungal emergence was examined under a stereomicroscope (model SZX7, Olympus, Tokyo). Each experimental setup consisted of three replicates, with five larvae per replicate, and the entire bioassay was repeated twice for each isolate. Microencapsulated spores, known as MicroSafe®, were found to be more effective in controlling Black vine weevil larvae compared to unencapsulated spores. This highlights the importance of formulation in pest management strategies. At doses of 105 cfu / mL, 106 cfu / mL, and 107 cfu / mL, MicroSafe® showed a mortality rate of 56.7%, 78.3%, and 100%, respectively. In contrast, unencapsulated spores displayed a lower mortality rate of 38.3%, 46.7%, and 73.3% at the same doses (as shown in Figure 21). A two-sample t-test indicated a significant difference between the means of the two treatments at all tested concentrations. The t-value was 4.044 and F was 0.304, with p <0.01 at dose of 105 cfu / mL, t-value was 6.985 and F was 0.225, with p <0.01 at dose of 106 cfu / mL and t-value was 12.649, F was 40 and p<0.001 at a dose of 107 cfu / mL. Evaluation of MicroSafe® against Large Raspberry Aphid (Amphorophora idaei) Laboratory bioassays were conducted to compare the efficacy of MicroSafe® encapsulated fungal spores of M. anisopliae BNL101 and unencapsulated fungal spores in controlling third instar A. idaei (large raspberry aphid) nymphs. The bioassays followed the detached-leaf method as outlined by Elmekabaty et al., (2020), BioControl 65, 91-99. To start, raspberry leaves were surface sterilized using a 0.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 3 minutes. The leaves were then rinsed three times with sterile distilled water and air-dried in a laminar airflow cabinet. The adaxial surface of the detached raspberry leaves was placed on 1.5% water agar in sterile disposable petri dishes measuring 90 * 16 mm to maintain high humidity levels. Thirty third-instar A. idaei nymphs were infested on each individual raspberry leaf. The leaves were inoculated with spore concentrations of 105, 106, 107, and 108 spores / mL. The aphids were then incubated at a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C. Mortality was recorded systematically at 24-hour intervals for 5 days, and deceased aphids were removed from the Petri dishes to prevent secondary infection. They were then placed in a separate Petri dish lined with moist filter paper, maintained at 25 ± 1 °C to facilitate further sporulation. The entire bioassay was conducted twice for each isolate, ensuring robust experimental rigor. Each treatment condition was replicated three times. The bioassay results demonstrate the effectiveness of both MicroSafe® and unencapsulated formulation in controlling third instar Amphorophora idaei nymphs. Aphid mortality varied from 37.8% ± 2.2% at a spore concentration of 105 cfu / mLto 71.7% ± 1.7% at the highest tested concentration of 1.0 x 107 cfu / mLwhen treated with unencapsulated spores. However, the application of MicroSafe® led to improved efficacy, resulting in a mortality rate ranging from 52.2% ± 2.1% at a low dose of 105 cfu / mL to 100% at a concentration of 107 cfu / ml (Figure 22). A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of MicroSafe® and unencapsulated spores in controlling aphids. The study used a two-sample t-test to compare the means of mortality rates at various concentrations. The results showed that MicroSafe™ was consistently more effective than unencapsulated spores at all tested concentrations. At a concentration of 105 cfu / mL, the mortality rate was significantly higher with MicroSafe® (t-value = 4.776, F = 0.211, p <0.001). Similarly, at the concentration of 1.0 x 106 cfu / mL, the mortality rate was significantly higher with MicroSafe™ (t-value = 6.89, F = 4.54, p <0.001). Moreover, at a concentration of 107 cfu / mL, the mortality rate was significantly higher with MicroSafe™ (t-value = 16.956, F = 20.268, p <0.001). These findings suggest that the effectiveness of MicroSafe® is concentrationdependent, and it consistently outperforms unencapsulated spores in controlling aphids. Efficacy of MicroSafe® against A. idaei under greenhouse In this controlled greenhouse experiment, we assessed the efficacy of MicroSafe® encapsulated fungal spores of M. anisopliae BNL101 compared to unencapsulated fungal spores against A. idaei on potted raspberry plants. The following experimental procedures were carried out: Raspberry plants were individually placed in 2-liter pots filled with multipurpose compost obtained from Westfield, UK. These potted plants were cultivated within an unheated glasshouse alongside previously infested raspberry plants, which had been hosting A. idaei for a continuous period of six weeks. This extended infestation period resulted in the establishment of aphid populations, with leaf infestations ranging from 30 to 40 individuals per leaf. Once a consistent level of infestation with A. idaei was attained, each individual plant was meticulously transferred into BugDorm insect cages, measuring 47.5 x 47.5 x 47.5 cm (Watkins &Doncaster, UK). Each cage accommodated three raspberry plants and received a controlled application of 30 mL of inoculum containing 107 spores / mL for one of the specified treatments. The untreated control plants were sprayed with a 0.03% aqueous Tween-80 solution. This experimental setup was replicated three times, ensuring robustness and accuracy in the assessment. The entire experiment was conducted twice to further validate the results. To maintain optimal growing conditions, the plants were watered every other day throughout the experiment. Aphid population counts were carried out on five leaves from each plant at intervals of 1,2, and 3 weeks following the initial application of treatments. The efficacy of each treatment was determined by comparing the aphid populations observed on each time point with population recorded at week 0 before the application. This provided a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of encapsulated fungal spores in contrast to unencapsulated spores on A. idaei infestations in a controlled greenhouse environment. It was found that two treatments, unencapsulated and MicroSafe®, were very effective in controlling the infestation of Amphorophora idaei on potted raspberry plants in a controlled glasshouse environment. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the mean efficacy percentages caused by MicroSafe® and unencapsulated spores. The results showed significant differences in efficacy between the two treatments (F=1871.53, p<0.001). This suggests that the type of treatment has a significant impact on the efficacy of controlling aphid populations. It should be noted that the MicroSafe® treatment was the most effective, achieving a decrease in aphid population from 53.8 ±1.3 % in week 1 to 89 ± 0.51% in week 3. On the other hand, the unencapsulated spores showed lower efficacy with mean percentages rising from 31.7 ± 1.16 % in week 1 to 66 ± 1.2 % in week 3 in reducing the aphid population. These findings highlight the superior effectiveness of MicroSafe® in controlling aphid populations when compared to unencapsulated spores. (Figure 23). Example 7: Multiple encapsulation - Synthesising Tetramix® Tetramix® features a multi-core microbial formulation including insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 for insect control, Trichoderma harzianum BNL2931and Bacillus subtilis BNL905 for plant disease control, and Azotobacter chroococcum BNL801aimed at nitrogen fixation. These agents were co-encapsulated within a single microcapsule (1500-2000 spores each) using the drip casting technique as described in Example 3, ensuring precise and controlled delivery. These studies used two-litre potted strawberry plants in a greenhouse infested with western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and diseases like Botrytis (air-borne disease) and Phytophthora (soil-borne disease). The comparative analysis used Tetramix® encapsulated formulations against their unencapsulated counterparts. Three different application rates were tested: 4 x 1011,4 x io12, and 4 x 1013 cfu / ha. Before application, microcapsules were dissolved in 10 mM sodium citrate. Each treatment mixture was prepared in 30 mL universal tubes sourced from Fisher Scientific, UK, and applied using a knapsack sprayer (Cooper Pegler). For Phytophthora management, Tetramix® was directly applied to the plant substrates. Control groups were treated with water mixed with Tween-80 at a concentration of 0.05% (v / v). The mortality rate of thrips was monitored at 24-hour intervals over five days at a maintained temperature of 25 ± 1 °C. Deceased insects were examined under a binocular microscope to verify fungal sporulation. The experiment featured three replicates for each treatment, with 20 insects per replicate, and was conducted twice. Additionally, strawberry fruits were inspected for signs of Botrytis infection, and substrates and plants were checked for Phytophthora infestation. Efficacy of Tetramix® against Western Flower Thrips Tetramix®, when encapsulated, is significantly more effective than unencapsulated fungi and bacteria in controlling Western flower thrips adults. On average, Tetramix® provides 30% higher thrips control than unencapsulated spores. The thrips mortality rates were 26.5% at a dose of 4 x 1011 cfu / ha, 42.5% at 4 x 1012 cfu / ha, and 55.3% at 4 x 1013 cfu / ha for unencapsulated formulation. However, when treated with Tetramix®, the thrips mortality rates increased to 58.3% at a dose of 4 x 1011 cfu / ha, 72.5% at 4 x 1012 cfu / ha, and 92.5% at 4 x 1013 cfu / ha (Figure 24). Efficacy of Tetramix® against Botrytis cinerea A bacterial strain isolated from soil belonging to the genus Bacillus subtilis BNL905was found to be an antagonist of Botrytis cinerea. The fungal attack on the strawberry was reduced by 40.9% to 24.2% in unencapsulated and 33.5% to 15% in encapsulated Tetramix®, increasing fruit yield by 15-20% significantly (Table 16), suggesting Tetramix® is superior to unencapsulated formulation. Based on this study, plants treated with Tetramix® have better root biomass and shoot length grew better than those treated with unencapsulated or control. The control group of plants without treatment had shorter stem lengths and produced fewer fruits than the unencapsulated or Tetramix®. Furthermore, the study found that the average number of fruits produced in strawberries treated with Tetramix® was higher per plant than unencapsulated or left untreated (Table 16). Table 16. Comparison of encapsulated (Tetramix®) and unencapsulated (Uncap) formulations on strawberry root biomass, shoot length, fruit weight and disease incidence under polytunnel. TN Treatment Mean root biomass wt. / plant (g) Mean shoot length (cm) Yield, Mean fruit weight (g / plant) (%) Botrytis incidence 30 days 60 days 30 days 60 days 90 days 90 days T1 Untreated control 1.3 1.99 20.7 31.2 320 53.8 T2 Uncap 4 x 1011 1.52 2.91 23.3 34.5 342 22 (40.9%) T3 Uncap 4 x 1012 1.73 3.85 26.1 37.8 389 15 (27.9%) T4 Uncap4 x io13 2.1 4.3 28.4 39.1 468 13 (24.2%) T5 Tetramix® 4 x 1011 1.61 3.2 25.2 36.2 369 18 (33.5) T6 Tetramix® 4 x 1012 1.78 4.1 27.4 38.8 413 13 (24.2) T7 Tetramix® 4 x 1013 2.9 4.92 31.2 44.3 521 8 (14.9%) Efficacy of Tetramb^ on Nitrogen fixation in strawberry plants The height of the plants was measured at two different times, 30 and 60 days. The plants treated with Tetramix® were taller than unencapsulated formulation or untreated plants. The results indicate that the Tetramix® treatment stimulated plant growth by 20%, 25%, and 35%, respectively (Figure 25 &26). This supports the finding of Zargar et al. (2008), who reported that greater heights were obtained by increasing the amount of nitrogen in conjunction with the injection of Azotobacter in the strawberry crop. Plant growth was significantly improved by foliar spraying with Azotobacter, resulting in more leaves, higher fresh weight, and more dry weight of aerial parts. It was observed that the bio fertiliser significantly increased strawberries' root length 30 and 60 days after treatment with Tetramix®. This increase in size was due to the presence of Azotobacter, an efficient nitrogen fixer (Figure 25 &26). Azotobacter promoted root growth, as well as an increase in dry matter. The root length of the group treated with Tetramix® differed significantly from the unencapsulated or control groups. Example 8: Microcapsule Spores Quantification Study Three batches of microcapsules (500 g each) were analysed. The capsules were quantified per millilitre size ranging from 70 to 150 micrometres. Subsequently, the number of spores per capsule was calculated by diluting at a ratio of 1:10 using distilled water. Afterwards, 20 pl of the suspension was spread over a glass slide and counted under a light microscope. Three replicates were conducted for each batch. A 1 mL sample was pipetted from each batch and diluted at a ratio of 1:100 using a solution containing sodium citrate (10 mM) to facilitate the release of spores. The spores were then counted using a Neubauer hemocytometer. Each batch underwent three replicates. The number of spores per capsule was calculated using the equation: Average Number of spores per mL Number of spores per capsule = ------------:----------:--------- Average number of capsules per mL The number of capsules ranged from 208,167 to 216,333 per mL - the number of spores per capsule ranged from 1048 to 1229. The spores per mL ranged from 2.4 x 108 to 2.7 x 108 cfu / mL. Table 17. Determination of the number of spores in each capsule. Sample Replicates Number of capsules / mL Number of spores per capsule Total Number of spores (cfu / mL) Batch no. 1420- 0921 / 202200022-9 Ri 198,000 1187 2.3 x108 r2 216,000 993 2.2 xW8 r3 210,000 1286 2.7 x108 Average 208,167 1155 2.4 x108 Batch no. 1420- 0921 / 202200022-10 Ri 203,500 1351 2.8 x108 r2 228,000 1118 2.6 x108 r3 217,500 1218 2.7 x108 Average 216,333 1229 2.7 x108 Batch no. 1420- 0921 / 202200022-11 Ri 207,000 1184 2.5 x108 r2 223,000 964 2.2 x108 r3 215,500 998 2.2 x108 Average 215,167 1048 2.3 x108 Conclusions The encapsulation method described in Example 1 is a successful formulation platform technology that has been established for multiple purposes. It encapsulates microbials such as Metarhizium spp., Bacillus spp., Trichoderma spp., and Azotobacter spp. in a single capsule for crop protection and plant health management. A scalable formulation of MicroSafe® capsules containing the active ingredient Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 was successfully scaled up at the industrial level. The method's reproducibility is demonstrated by consistent size distributions, median particle size, and minimal moisture loss in humid conditions. Pasteurization at 70°C for 30 minutes is the most effective sterilization method for removing bacterial contaminants without significantly altering microcapsule morphology. Autoclaving is avoided due to lower spore retention and reduced viability. Testing different copolymers in a ratio to alginate of 0.5:9.5 indicates a negligible effect on total water content, showing promise for potential use. Water release profiles were determined for all formulations with high spore viability. MicroSafe® formulations exhibit improved sprayability, with no nozzle blocking during spray sessions, even in the presence of particulates. The addition of an adjuvant (organosilicon) to the MicroSafe® tank mix enhances the mobility of applied liquid on leaf surfaces. Although no significant differences were observed in leaf area coverage or the amount of spray liquid retained on whole plants, there is a consistent indication of higher retention when the adjuvant is included in the MicroSafe® tank mix. The shelf life and stability of MicroSafe® at 5°C and 25°C were 95% and 96%, respectively, after 17 months. These examples demonstrate the superior effectiveness of MicroSafe® in controlling adult thrips, vine weevil larvae, and large raspberry aphids compared to unencapsulated spores of M. anisopliae. Thrips mortality ranged from 50.8 ± 3.3% to 100% with MicroSafe®, contrasting with unencapsulated spores’ lower rates of 34% ± 2.0% and 72.5 ± 3.8%. MicroSafe® caused mortality rates of 56.7%, 78.3%, and 100% at doses of 105 cfu / mL, 106 cfu / mL, and 107 cfu / mL, while unencapsulated spores showed lower rates of 38.3%, 46.7%, and 73.3%. Aphid mortality varied from 37.8% ± 2.2% to 71.7% ± 1.7% with unencapsulated spores, but MicroSafe® achieved higher efficacy, ranging from 52.2% ± 2.1% to 100%. In greenhouse conditions, both unencapsulated and MicroSafe® microencapsulated Metarhizium anisopliae BNL101 spore effectively controlled Amphorophora idaei infestations on raspberry plants. MicroSafe® was notably more effective, reducing aphid populations by 53.8 ± 1.3% in week 1, increasing to 89 ± 0.51% in week 3, compared to unencapsulated spores, which caused a reduction of 31.7 ± 1.16% in week 1 and 66 ± 1.2% in week 3. The storage of MicroSafe® formulations for up to 17 months does not compromise their potency, indicating the potential of MicroSafe® as a robust process of formulating microbial spores. Biological Deposits Biological deposits referred to in the application were made to CABI Bioscience, UK Centre (IMI), Bakeham Lane, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY, United Kingdom. Biological deposits were made by Dr Minshad Ansari on behalf of Bionema Limited or Bionema Group Limited, Room number 009, Institute of Life Science 1, Singleton Park, Swansea University, SA2 8PP. Date: 01 May 2018 Accession Number: IMI CC 506833 Descriptor: BNL101 Depositor: Bionema Limited -and- Date: 30 May 2024 Accession Number: IMI CC 507493 Descriptor: BNL801 Depositor: Bionema Group Limited -and- Date: 30 May 2024 Accession Number: IMI CC 507494 Descriptor: BNL905 Depositor: Bionema Group Limited -and- Date: 30 May 2024 Accession Number: IMI CC 507495 Descriptor: BNL2931 Depositor: Bionema Group Limited

Claims

1. A microencapsulated preparation comprising particles which comprise:(a) at least one insect pathogenic fungus; and(b) at least one bacterial strain; and(c) a hydrophilic carrier.

2. The microencapsulated preparation of claim 1, wherein the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is a Metarhizium spp. or a Beauveria spp., preferably a Metarhizium spp..

3. The microencapsulated preparation of claim 2, wherein the Metarhizium spp. is a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain, preferably wherein said Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain is a BNL101 fungal strain having IMI CC Number 506833.

4. The microencapsulated preparation of claim 2, wherein the Beauveria spp. is Beauveria bassiana.

5. The microencapsulated preparation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bacterial strain is a pathogenic Bacillus spp., preferably wherein said pathogenic Bacillus spp. is B. subtilis BNL905 having IMI CC Number 507494.

6. The microencapsulated preparation of any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a plant growth-promoting fungus, optionally wherein the plant growth-promoting fungus is a Trichoderma spp., preferably T. harzianum BNL2931 having IMI CC Number 507495.

7. The microencapsulated preparation of any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, optionally wherein the nitrogen-fixing bacteria is a Azotobacterspp., preferably A. chroococcum BNL801 having IMI CC Number 507493.

8. The microencapsulated preparation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:(a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is present as spores;(b) the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, is present as spores; and / or(c) the plant growth-promoting fungus is present as spores.

9. The microencapsulated preparation of claim 8, wherein the average number of spores per particle for:(a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus;(b) the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and / or(c) the plant growth-promoting fungus;is between about 1 to about 2000, optionally between about 1000 to about 1500 or between about 300 to about 500.

10. The microencapsulated preparation of claim 9, wherein the average total number of spores per particle is between about 1 to about 6000, optionally between about 500 to about 1500 or between about 1000 to about 1500.

11. The microencapsulated preparation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophilic carrier is an agronomically acceptable carrier selected from: bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the hydrophilic carrier comprises sodium alginate; wherein optionally the agronomically acceptable carrier is present at a concentration of between about 1% to about 5% (w / v) of the preparation.

12. The microencapsulated preparation of claim 11, which further comprises an additional carrier selected from: bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof;wherein prerferably the additional carrier is selected from guar gum, gum arabic, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and pectin, or a combination thereof, preferably gum arabic and / or guar gum.

13. The microencapsulated preparation of claim 12, wherein the agronomically acceptable carrier and the additional carrier are present at a ratio of between about 9:1 (w / w) to about 9.9:0.1 (w / w), preferably at a ratio of about 9.5:0.5 (w / w).

14. The microencapsulated preparation of any one the preceding claims, comprising particles having a median diameter of between about 10 pm to about 200 pm, preferably of between about 50 pm to about 150 pm, more preferably of between about 50 pm to about 100 pm.

15. The microencapsulated preparation of any one of the preceding claims, in which the biological stability of:(a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus;(b) the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and / or(c) the plant growth-promoting fungus;is maintained:(i) for at least 6 months, preferably at least 12 months, more preferably at least 15 months; and / or(ii) between temperatures of from about 5°C to about 25°C.

16. The microencapsulated preparation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:(a) the water activity (aw) of the particles is less than 0.6, preferably less than 0.5, more preferably less than 0.4; and / or(b) the microencapsulated preparation is in solid, optionally powder, or liquid form, preferably a suspension.

17. A method of producing a microencapsulated preparation comprising at least one insect pathogenic fungus, said method comprising the steps of:(a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising a hydrophilic carrier, a non-ionic surfactant and the at least one insect pathogenic fungus;(b) drip casting said aqueous solution into a solidification solution comprising a divalent metal salt and a biocompatible polymer, whereby said drip casting forms microencapsulated particles;wherein optionally said method further comprises:(i) separating the microencapsulated particles from the aqueous solidification solution;(ii) washing the microencapsulated particles; and / or(iii) packing the microencapsulated particles, optionally in a ratio of 35 to 15 parts water.

18. The method of producing a microencapsulated preparation of claim 17, wherein hydrophilic carrier, non-ionic surfactant, calcium salt and biocompatible polymer are sterilized before use in said method, wherein optionally:(a) the non-ionic surfactant, calcium salt and / or biocompatible polymer are sterilized by autoclaving; and / or(b) the hydrophilic carrier is sterilized by pasteurization.

19. The method of producing a microencapsulated preparation of claim 17 or 18, wherein:(a) the hydrophilic carrier is an agronomically acceptable carrier selected from: bioplastic; polyacrylic acid; silica; zinc oxide; titanium dioxide; sodium selenosulfate; silver; carboxymethyl cellulose; methoxyl pectin; metal ions; chitosan; cellulose acetate; xanthan gum; gum arabic; guar gum, sodium alginate; chitosan; pectin citrus; arabinogalactan; alpha-cyclodextrin; maltodextrose; cellulose; methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the hydrophilic carrier comprises sodium alginate;(b) the hydrophilic carrier is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of between about 1 % w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 1 % w / w, more preferably at a concentration of about 0.8% w / w;(c) the non-ionic surfactant comprises Tween-80;(d) the non-ionic surfactant is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of between about 0.1 % w / w to about 1 % w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 0.5% w / w;(e) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of between about 0.1% w / w to about 2% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 1 % w / w.(f) the divalent metal salt is a calcium salt, preferably the divalent metal salt is CaCt;(g) the divalent metal salt is present in the solidification solution at a concentration of between about 1 % w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 4% w / w;(h) the biocompatible polymer is PEG 1500; and / or(i) the biocompatible polymer is present in the solidification solution at a concentration of between about 1 % w / w to about 5% w / w, preferably at a concentration of about 2% w / w.

20. The method of producing a microencapsulated preparation of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein:(a) the drip casting is carried out using a nozzle with a diameter of between about 50 pm to about 200 pm, preferably the diameter is about 100 pm;(b) the drip casting is carried out at a frequency of between about 5,000 Hz to about 10,000 Hz, preferably the frequency is about 8,000 Hz;(c) the drip casting is carried out at a pressure of between about 200 mBar to about 1000 mBar, preferably the pressure is about 500 mBar; and / or(d) the drip casting is carried out at an amplitude of between about 1,000 mV to about 10,000 mV, preferably the amplitude is of about 5,000 mV21. The method of producing a microencapsulated preparation according to any of claim 17 to 20, wherein said aqueous solution further comprises:(a) at least one bacterial strain;(b) a nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and / or(c) a plant growth-promoting fungus;and optionally wherein said aqueous solution further comprises one or more additional insect pathogenic fungus.

22. The method of producing a microencapsulated preparation according to any of claim 17 to 21, wherein:(a) the at least one insect pathogenic fungus is a Metarhizium spp. or a Beauveria spp., preferably a Metarhizium spp, more preferably a Metarhizium var. anisopliae fungal strain having IM I CC Number 506833 (BNL101);(b) the at least one bacterial strain is a pathogenic Bacillus spp., preferably wherein said pathogenic Bacillus spp. is B. subtilis BNL905 having IMI CC Number 507494;(c) the nitrogen-fixing bacteria is a Azotobacter spp., preferably A. chroococcum BN L801 having IM I CC Number 507493; and / or(d) the plant growth-promoting fungus is a Trichoderma spp., preferably T. harzianum BNL2931 having IM I CC Number 507495.

23. A microencapsulated preparation produced by a method as defined in any one of claims 17 to 22.

24. A method for controlling a population of insects comprising providing a composition comprising a microencapsulated preparation as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16 and 23 to the insect population, and controlling the insect population, wherein the composition has an insecticidal activity that is at least 30% greater than a composition without the microencapsulated preparation.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein:(a) the amount of the composition required to control the population of insects is 2 times less than the amount of a composition without the preparation of any one of claims 1 to 16 or 23 required to control the same population of insects;(b) the method comprises the controlled release of the at least one insect pathogenic fungus, the at least one bacterial strain, optionally the pathogenic Bacillus spp. and / or the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and the plant growth-promoting fungus from the particles as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16 and 23, wherein optionally controlled release comprises contacting the particles with sodium citrate; and / or(c) the population of insects comprises: (i) one or more of western flower thrip, weevils, aphids, whitefly, spider mites, caterpillars, chafers, ticks, midges, mosquitos or a combination thereof; or (ii) one or more of western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalisy Black Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatusy raspberry aphids (Amphorophora idaeiy Spider mites (Tetra nychus urticaey Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae spp)-, Aphids (Myzus persicaey Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti:. Anopheles stephensi:. Cui ex quinquefasciatusy Ticks (Ixodes sppy Armyworms (Spodoptera litturay European May beetle (Melolontha melolonthay June beetle (Hoplia philanthusy Leatherjackets (Tipula paludosay Wireworm (Agriotes sppy, Biting midge (Culicoides sppy Pine weevil (Hylobius abietis), or a combination thereof.

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