Growing concerns about the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides—along with their effects on human health and non-target pests—have spurred the development of biological fertilizers and pesticides. As a result, organic farming practices are gaining popularity, and farmers are becoming more aware of bio-agricultural inputs.
Biofertilizers (Core Support Programme – Phase I: 2014-19)
Farmers have been introduced to biofertilizers such as Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum sp., Rhizobium sp., Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescens, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and Bacillus spp. These biofertilizers aim to enhance crop yields while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Farmers are also being trained to produce P. fluorescens and Trichoderma viride using simple methods and low-cost media in their backyards.
Biopesticides (Core Support Programme – Phase II: 2014-19)
MCRC isolated Bacillus thuringiensis from rice field soil in Aatoor, near Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. This strain is toxic to lepidopteran pests, including rice leaf folders, stem borers, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera armigera, Amaranthus leaf feeders, and Nanthiyavattai leaf feeders. It has been formulated into both liquid concentrate and wettable powder, proving effective in pest control. Additionally, Bacillus methylotrophicus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens were isolated from organic manures and tested for their antimicrobial activity against various plant pathogens. These two bacterial species were found to inhibit several fungal pathogens. All three Bacillus species are currently being evaluated in the field.