New Delhi (NVI): The Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT ) in collaboration with ICAR- National Research Center on Seed Spices (NRCSS), has developed new aqueous suspension formulation technology of bio-pesticide, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said.
The formulation technology is based on entomopathogenic fungus ‘Verticillium lecanii’, used for the crop protection.
Director IPFT Jitendra Kumar said this bio-pesticide formulation has been found very effective in controlling various insects in seed spice crops (fenugreek, cumin, and coriander).
“The formulation has good shelf life, safe to user and environment and it may be effectively used for controlling different agricultural insects especially in seed spice crops and patent application for the formulation has been filed,” Kumar added.
According to the statement provided by IPFT, the seed spices crops suffer major losses due to various insects and or controlling the insects, large amounts of synthetic chemical pesticides are used in these crops, resulting in higher levels of pesticide residues in seed spices, this leads to risks for human health and environment.
This bio-pesticides may be used as a safer alternative to chemical pesticides to minimize pesticide residue problem.
Besides, it may be used as key input for crop protection from insects pest in organic agriculture and integrated pest management, the statement said.
-RJV
