Context
Recently , The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has developed biocontrol agent “Trichoderma Asperellum” to combat ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati Varieties of Rice.
- It is also known as Bakanae disease.
- Causative Agent: ‘Fusarium verticillioides’
- It is a soil-seed borne pathogen which spreads the infection through the root of the plant, and eventually leads to the colonization of the stem base.
- It affects Basmati rice crops particularly at the seedling stage, though it might also cause infection after transplantation in case infected seedlings are transplanted.
- Symptoms : Infected seedlings first turn pale yellow, then elongate and dry up, and eventually (usually) die.
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- To prevent the disease from occurring and spreading, farmers resort to
- Early seedling treatment,
- Try to use disease-free seeds, and
- Destroy infected seedlings.
- Timely seed nursery management :
- Seed sowing in the first fortnight of June, and transplantation in July.
- Sowing in May often leads to problems as the month’s high temperatures are favourable to the disease.
- Well Drained Fields : Fields where the nursery is being set up must also be well-drained, with proper irrigation, to avoid the spread of foot rot.
- Current Practices :
- Seedlings are treated with ‘Trichoderma harzianum’ before sowing and transplantation.
- Seeds are also treated with fungicides such as Sprint 75 WS (carbendazim + mancozeb) before sowing.
- But these are the chemical treatments which are harmful for the soil, and can be toxic for consumers of the rice.
Importance of New Biocontrol Agent ‘Trichoderma Asperellum’
- It is an important development in rice farming techniques, bringing in a more sustainable strategy that will offer a non-chemical alternative to traditional pesticides.
- This transition ensures safer rice production, aligning with global standards for food safety.
- It will help in aiding in disease management while minimizing environmental harm.
Basmati Rice:
- Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice known for its extra-long slender grains, fluffy texture, delightful taste, superior aroma, and distinct flavor.
- Varieties of Basmati Rice: Around 34 varieties recognized under the Seeds Act, 1966.
- Cultivation Areas: Only Permitted to cultivate in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh.
- It is a registered GI (geographical indication) product.
- Largest Producer & Export Leader: India is the top exporter, around 70% of global production.
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