Storage stable compositions of biological materials, including bioactive biological materials are provided in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion, comprising: (a) cellular material selected from living and/or dormant prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells and tissues, the cellular material being compatible with water-in-oil emulsions; (b) one or more oils selected from vegetable oils and fish oils; (c) an oil-soluble nonionic polymeric surfactant having a molecular weight of from about 2500 to about 15000; and (d) water. The compositions may also contain a thickener such as a hydrophobic fumed silica or bentonite.Compositions may be used for various purposes, depending on the contained biological material. Specific examples include compositions containing Fusarium lateritium control of Eutypa lata in plant wounds made by cutting or pruning, and compositions containing Lagenidium giganteum for control of mosquitoes.