Farmers can combat Bakane disease without compromising on environmental safety
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana has registered the biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum 2% WP with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC).
This registration aims to manage foot rot or Bakane disease in basmati rice, a persistent problem in the region, causing considerable losses to farmers and threatening Punjab’s export prospects.
Trichoderma asperellum, a biocontrol agent, offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, which often leave harmful residues. Its registration, approved during the 455th CIBRC meeting on April 19, 2024, marks a significant step in sustainable agriculture.
Moderate to high incidence of foot rot has been reported in the past in Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1509 varieties in Punjab. The disease not only reduces yields but also poses health risks due to mycotoxin contamination in the affected rice grains.
By treating seeds and seedlings with Trichoderma, farmers can combat the Bakane disease without compromising on environmental safety.
The PAU Vice Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal congratulated the scientists for the achievement. “This is a tremendous step forward for sustainable agriculture in Punjab. I commend Narinder Singh, former head, PAU Department of Plant Pathology and Daljeet Singh Buttar, Principal Plant Pathologist, for their relentless efforts in developing and registering Trichoderma asperellum as a solution for Bakane disease.”
With the registration now complete, the focus turns to widespread adoption among farmers in Punjab. The availability of Trichoderma asperellum for foot rot management will enable a sustainable approach to rice cultivation, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and ensuring safer rice production for consumers worldwide.
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ਬਾਸਮਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਝ਼ੰਡਾ ਰੋਗ ਦੀ ਰੋਕਥਾਮ ਲਈ ਟ੍ਰਾਈਕੋਡਰਮਾ ਐਸਪੈਰੇਲਮ