Background:
The damage caused by insect pests is one of the primary factors leading to the reduced production of major crops. In India, the average annual losses due to insect pests have been estimated to be 15.7% in major field crops. Among insect pests, lepidopteran pests are key pests of several crops. It is estimated that chemical insecticides worth about Rs.1200 crores are used annually in Indian agriculture for the control of insect pests. Increasing environmental concerns, health consciousness and the domestic and international demand of residue free organic produce have necessitated search for alternate techniques that are eco-friendly, economically viable and socially acceptable for management of insect pests:
Technology Details:
The technology offered is the “Process for multiplication, and production of DOR Bt-1 WP 0.5% formulation”. Microbial biopesticides are safe and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. A local strain of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, DOR Bt-1 (NAIMCC-B-01118) has been multiplied for the first time through solid state fermentation and formulated as wettable powder. This formulation is effective against pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in pigeon pea. The technology package includes DOR Bt-1 strain along with data for permanent registration and training in the production technology. Biopesticides production in India is being promoted commercially by medium range entrepreneurs. However, Bt production was not undertaken by them due to non-availability of indigenous Bt strain with toxicology and bio-efficacy data in India. With availability of DOR Bt-1 technology, the vacuum has been filled. The cost-effective nature of the production technology of IIOR (DOR) can bring Bt in the reach of the resource poor farmers and encourage its inclusion in majority of the IPM programmes as well.