After 25 years of continuous research, a team at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has developed the country's first biofungicide. The researchers say it helps control crop diseases, raise yields, improve soil health and improve water quality in fish farming.

The bioformulation, made entirely with local technology from a locally sourced strain of Trichoderma asperellum, works as both a biofungicide and a biofertiliser. Each gram contains at least two million live Trichoderma spores.

Presenting the results at a press conference in the Department of Plant Pathology on Friday (24 July), lead researcher Professor Dr Mohammad Shahjahan Monjil said about 45 to 46 per cent of all pesticides used in Bangladesh are chemical fungicides. Their overuse destroys not only harmful fungi but also beneficial microbes and fungi in the soil, with long-term harm to the environment, soil health and public health. "PG-Trichoderma" was developed as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative.

Thousands of soil and rhizosphere samples were collected from the country's agro-ecological zones, more than a hundred Trichoderma fungi were isolated, and their effectiveness was tested over a long period. The most effective and stable strain, adapted to Bangladesh's climate, Trichoderma asperellum, was chosen as the basis for the formulation. Because it is a local microbe, the researchers expect it to be more effective, durable and cheaper than imported bio-products.

The research found it effective on all kinds of crops, particularly tomato, potato, aubergine, okra, chilli, cucumber, bottle gourd, pumpkin, pulses, tea and betel leaf, controlling Fusarium wilt, root rot, Sclerotium blight and leaf spot.

In field trials, yields rose by 40 to 70 per cent in tomato, 30 to 40 per cent in potato, 30 to 50 per cent in rice, 30 to 35 per cent in wheat and 80 to 100 per cent in tea. Seed-borne fungal diseases in chilli and pulses were controlled by 50 to 90 per cent.

Professor Monjil said the product speeds root growth, improves nutrient uptake and soil biological health, reduces the need for chemical fertiliser and helps control disease and pests naturally.

Professor Dr Md Shahed Reza said that in fish farming, the product raised dissolved oxygen and lowered ammonia in the water, though it has only been tested on a small scale so far.

Professor Dr K M Mohiuddin of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry said the product is completely safe. Unlike chemical fungicides, it requires no waiting period before harvest and no ban on entering the field after use. It is marketed with talcum powder as a carrier and can be mixed with soil for nursery beds, mixed with seed or sprayed on plants. It also reduces heavy-metal uptake by plants on polluted land.

The product is in the final stage of standardisation and registration with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). Once registered, it will be available to farmers.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.