Introduction to Different Microbial Bio-Insecticides and Their Application Rates

Virus-based Bio-insecticides

Bacteria and Fungi-based Bio-fungicides

Methods and Precautions for Application of Microbial Bio-insecticides, Bio-fungicides, and Bio-herbicides

The method of application of microbial products varies depending on the formulation, crop, and stage of the crop. However, the following general precautions and guidelines must be strictly followed:

1. Always use the microbial product before its expiry date.
2. During seed treatment, seedling treatment, or soil application, ensure that the microorganisms do not come into contact with chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides/herbicides.
3. Apply sufficient organic manure to the field before or along with microbial application.
4. For Bt-based products, apply when the ambient temperature is below 30°C.
5. Use only the specific NPV strain targeted against the particular pest; otherwise, it will be ineffective.
6. Spray microbial insecticides and fungicides in the late afternoon or evening. Spraying in bright sunlight reduces effectiveness.
7. The method of seed treatment, soil treatment, or seedling dip using microbial fungicides is similar to that used for biofertilizers.
8. Do not apply any chemical sprays 5–7 days before or after applying microbial bio-pesticides.

Some Prominent Companies Producing and Marketing Microbial Bio-products in India

1. Pest Control India, 23 Mirza Galib Street, Kolkata – 700 016
2. Biotek International, Dutt House, 94 Chittaranjan Avenue, Kolkata – 700 012
3. Krishi Rasayan, 234/3A, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata – 700 020
4. E.I.D. Parry, 4 Synagogue Street, Kolkata – 700 001
5. Shri Sai Agri Bio Labs Pvt. Ltd., 4-48-10/1, Lawsons Bay Colony, Visakhapatnam – 530 017, Andhra Pradesh
6. Total Agri-Care Concern Pvt. Ltd., 12/A, Netaji Subhash Road, Kolkata – 700 001
7. Maxima Biotek Pvt. Ltd., 54 J.M.C. House, Ahmedabad – 380 006
8. Elbitec Innovations Ltd. (M/s. Solace Croptek), Mylapore, Chennai
9. Karnatak Agro Chemicals, Pune, Bengaluru – 560 058
10. Excel Industries Limited, 706 Central Plaza, 2/6 Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata – 700 020
11. T. Stanes & Co. Pvt. Ltd. (M/s. IndoPhil), Race Course Road, Chennai – 600 008
12. Multiplex Biotek Pvt. Ltd., 2A Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata – 700 013
13. Amit Biotek Pvt. Ltd., 21 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata – 700 019
14. R.P.C. Agro, 3 Portuguese Church Street, Kolkata – 700 001
15. Super Agro Pvt. Ltd., 22B Satgachi Para, Kolkata – 700 002
16. Shir Agro Bio-Fertilizer Creative Organization, Uttar Darua, Contai, Purba Medinipur
17. Libis Agro Pvt. Ltd., 3A Dharmadas Road, Kalighat, Kolkata – 700 026
18. Ajay Biotek Pvt. Ltd., 233A J.C. Road, Kolkata – 700 020
19. P.J. Margo Pvt. Ltd., Crooked Lane, Kolkata – 700 069
20. International Panacea Pvt. Ltd., 8/1 Middleton Row, Kolkata – 700 071
21. Peak Chemical Industries Ltd., Sevoke Road, Siliguri – 734 001

Commercial Use of Beneficial Microorganisms in Agriculture

The commercial use of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture began several years ago. Many government, semi-government, and private organizations are now producing and marketing a wide range of microbial products. Farmers across the country are successfully using these products and achieving good results. Under the ‘Jaibo Gram’ (Organic Village) initiatives of the Government, farmers are also extensively using microbial fertilizers and bio-pesticides.

In the present context of agriculture, increasing the use of beneficial microorganisms has become essential to sustain farming. The richer the “buffer stock” of beneficial microbes in the soil, the more sustainable agriculture will become. This will increase productivity, reduce production costs, make farming more profitable, and keep the environment free from pollution.

Some Organizations Involved in Production and Sale of Microbial Fertilizers

1. Pulse and Oilseed Research Centre, Ranibagan, Baharampur, Murshidabad – 742 102
2. Nitrophix Laboratory, 25 Bansdroni Avenue, Kolkata – 700 070
3. Biotek International Ltd., 94 Chittaranjan Avenue, Kolkata – 700 012
4. Vivekananda Institute of Biotechnology, Nimpeeth Ashram, South 24 Parganas – 743 338
5. Total Agri-Care Concern Pvt. Ltd., 12/A N.S. Road, Kolkata – 700 001
6. Libis Agro Chem Pvt. Ltd., 3A Dharmadas Road, Kalighat, Kolkata – 700 026
7. Nodule Research Laboratory, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia – 741 252
8. Peak Chemical Industries Ltd., Sevoke Road, Siliguri – 734 001
9. Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd., Block A, Lake Town, Kolkata – 700 089
10. Shir Agro Bio-Fertilizer Creative Organization, Uttar Darua, Contai, Purba Medinipur
11. Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd., Milanpally, Siliguri – 734 405
12. Shilavati Horticulture & Aquaculture, P-221/1 Strand Bank Road, Kolkata – 700 001
13. Eastern Enterprises, 4/4 Poddar Nagar, Kolkata – 700 068
14. Leela Agrotech, Rajibpur, North 24 Parganas – 743 702
15. Multiplex Bio-Tech Pvt. Ltd., Gangotri Building, Ultadanga, Kolkata – 700 054
16. Ansul Agro Chemical, Gangotri Building, Ultadanga, Kolkata – 700 054
17. Nav Bharat Fertilizer Ltd., Gandhighar, Naxalbari, Darjeeling
18. Micro Back India, O.G. Road, Shyamnagar, North 24 Parganas – 743 127
19. IndoPhil Chemical Company, 34 Circus Avenue, Kolkata – 700 017
20. Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), 8A J.C. Bose Road, Circular Court, Kolkata – 700 017

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