Background:
Formulation of bio-inoculants is generally carried out with inert carrier materials, which are expensive and do not add any additional benefit. Talc is one of the predominantly used carriers in the bio input industry. One of the important criteria for carrier material is availability and non- toxicity to the bio-inoculum and crop. Any technological intervention which partly replaces the use of costly talc with cheap, non-toxic agro-by product and other nutrient supplements would be very important in improving the plant health including disease management. Technology Details:
ICAR-CCARI had identified promising plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) with wide spectrum antagonistic ability that can be used as a bio-inoculant in plant health management in Coastal regions of the country. Research was carried out to replace some part of the talc carrier with agro-by products and also supplement the product with nutrients. The population of the PGPB in the value added formulation is >109 CFUg-1 with the shelf life of at least 18 months. There is no difference in the population between standard talc formulation and the value added formulations. Agro byproduct could be added up to 10% (w/w) to the formulation and the other nutrient supplements (NS3/NS1) could add value to the formulation. The value added formulation improved growth parameters (shoot length, root length, shoot weight and root weight) in brinjal and chilli when applied in the soil @ 50g/ m2 . The talc formulation of the strain has already been recommended in vegetable crops (Brinjal, tomato, chilli and cucumber), black pepper, fruit and plantation crop nurseries. Benefits of using CCARI Bio-4 include, improved plant growth parameters, plant health and yield; reduced soil borne diseases incidence in brinjal, chilli and black pepper; important component in IPM strategy and eco-friendly hence fits in organic farming concept. Toxicological data of mother culture was generated as per the regulatory guidelines. The bacterium is non-toxic and can be used in Agriculture for plant health management.