IIT-K develops Novel Nanoparticles for Crop Protection

• 02 Mar 2022

A team of researchers from Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research and University of Hyderabad has developed a Novel Nanoparticle-based Bio-Degradable-Carbonoid-Metabolite (BioDCM) that can protect agricultural crops from fungal and bacterial infections.

About the Technology

• The Nano particles (Bio-DCM) are protective biological alternative of certain microbial metabolites that can be used to enhance crop protection against various diseases.
• This nano-bio-pesticide is developed to produce biodegradable nanoparticle system of the secondary metabolite from the fungus Trichoderma asperellum Strain TAIK1.
• The invention uses microwave radiation for synthesis.
• The preparation protocol of BioDCM-NPs is novel and found to be effective against bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae whose major host is rice.

Application

• The technology can be used as an antimicrobial agent in agricultural crops as well as a carbon enrichment source for the soil.

Some Key Advantages of the Invention

• Precise target action;
• Can be active at low concentration;
• Has similar advantages like chemical pesticides but is safe and biodegradable;
• Can offer multiple actions as bio pesticide and phyto-stimulant;
• Fast in action as it is applied in bioactive forms; and
• Protects the active compound from high temperature.

Significance

• Natural products are in great demand for plant protection in organic agriculture and export-oriented products. The bio formulation is established to be a potent natural inhibitor in suppressing the growth and development of soil-based plant pathogens, including fungi and bacteria.
• It helps the crops defend themselves by eliciting defence and meet demands for better productivity.
• The invention also helps overcome some shortcomings such as less control on bioavailability, pre-mature degradation and absorption by the crops, thus, making it a feasible option for farmers.