A PURELY ORGANIC, SEED DRESSING BIOFUNGICIDE
FORMULATION OF AN IMPROVED
Trichoderma virens MUTANT STRAIN

Biological suppression of plant pathogenic fungi has been dominated by use of Trichoderma spp. all over the world for the last 3-4 decades, with more than 60% biofungicides formulations being Trichoderma-based. In India alone, more than 300 formulation products are available. Even though there is a potential for genetic improvement, through mutagenesis, no mutant strain of Trichoderma has been taken to the field level. Biological control is an integral component of organic farming, but almost all the commercial Trichoderma formulations contain synthetic additives like the carboxy-methyl cellulose (CMC). BARC has developed a purely organic, granular, seed-treatment formulation based on two major technologies - the tamarind seed based mass multiplication medium (patent filed viz. 1236/MUM/2012), a technology earlier developed by BARC, and a mutant strain of Trichoderma virens that produces more antibiotics than the wild type. The purely organic (no chemical additive) granular, seed- dressing formulation, named as “TrichoBARC” is suitable for packaging in small quantity (5 g for treatment of 1 kg seeds, per pouch), thus reducing the cost of seed treatment, making it economical for even small and marginal farmers. 

ADVANTAGES

• Low cost of production
• Improved bio-control potential over the wild type strain
• Purely organic formulation, hence can be used in organic farming
• Granular formulation, suitable for small size packaging

APPLICATIONS

• Agriculture sector in general
• This could be used by most of the bio-pesticides companies
• Can be used by Agriculture Department establishments like the KVKs

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS

Raw Materials

All the raw materials (Tamarind seeds, Talcum powder) used for the development of this formulation are available locally. The mutant strain of Trichoderma can be procured from BARC or this can be adapted to the already available Trichoderma strains.

Equipments

• Autoclave
• Laminar flow
• Refrigerator
• Common glass wares

Space

• A small microbiology laboratory of 600 sq. ft. area (30 ft. x 20 ft) with minimal facilities.

Power

• Both single & three phase power connection.

Manpower

• One Microbiologist and 1-2 skilled workers would be adequate. Actual manpower would depend on production capacity.