Bioprotectant with Multifunctional Microorganisms: A New Dimension in Plant Protection (from the Journal of Biopesticides Vol.1)
By Lalithakumari Janarthanam
Efficacy of SumaGrow-F2 relative to 12% Humic acid:
A randomized replicated design was followed to set up all the experiments using SG-F2 as the inoculant. Two split applications of the SG-F2 liquid formulation (described above with I0^10 cfu per ml) were given per each pot (12"Xl2"Xl2") during the crop period. The first application was given at the time of sowing as seed /soil treatment and the second application was given one month after the first application. The experiment was set up to compare the efficacy of SG-F2 over humic acid (12%) alone with out any added microbes as control. Each with 4 replications were conducted in a randomized replicated design. Exogenous fertilizers or chemical pesticides were not added to any of the three treatments during the crop period .The formulation was added in such a way that the final concentration of microbial cells will be 1 x 10^10 / per pot (Hitbold et al.,1980). A broad spectrum of crops which includes cereals, vegetable crops, legumes, forage grasses and also bio fuel grasses like switch grasses were tested. Observations were made at monthly intervals during the entire crop period.
Results and Discussions:
SumaGrow-F2 (hear after mentioned as SG-F2) has been selected to focus green technology by reducing chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The product is highlighted here with more evidences through field trials and greenhouse studies (Michigan State University, 2007-2009). Though these trials include a broad spectrum of crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, energy cane, biofuel grass, forage grass, oil palms, tomatoes, millets, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, banana, coconut, lime, coffee, tea, areca nut, rubber, flower, spices, condiments, herbs, awns, ornaments, trees etc., only selected crops are discussed here. The results showed a distinct increase in plant height with SG-F2 over the 12% humic acid. The mean weight of tomato was increased by 88% and fruit yield has been increased by 400% in SG-F2 as compared to the 12% humic acid control. The okra yield increased by 258.4% while rice yield increased by 301 %. With rice, SG-F2 treated plants showed an increase in seedling vigor, plant height, number of tillers and their carry over effect on grain yield. All legumes tested showed early flowering, fruiting and good root nodulation. The powdery mildew disease infection was observed in squash. Importantly, the mildew infection was less in SG-F2 treated squash while in the 12% humic acid, the mildew affected plant totally wilted.