Making a rare scientific breakthrough for the management of foot rot of basmati in Punjab, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and IPL Biologicals Limited jointly launched its biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum 2.0 WP under the trade name ‘AGENOR’ in a function organized at 7.06.2024 Dr Khem Singh Gill Farmers’ Service Center, PAU, today. ‘AGENOR’ is a strain of Trichoderma asperellum, which has been developed by the Department of Plant Pathology, PAU, and is registered with the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) by the IPL Biologicals Limited under the memorandum of understanding inked with the company for the rights for its production and marketing.
Calling it an excellent achievement, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, congratulated the officials of the IPL, and the scientists Dr Narinder Singh and Dr Daljeet Singh Buttar for developing this strain. He shed light on the misuse of chemicals leading to environment degradation, climate change; and importance of ecofriendly technologies for the management of plant diseases and insect-pests. He motivated the scientists to explore more about these biocontrol agents.
Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, while talking about residue in basmati rice, appreciated the efforts of the scientists and the IPL company for this non-chemical disease management approach.
Appreciating the new lead by PAU, Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, emphasized on the use of resource conserving technologies.
Mr Gurwinder Singh Bajwa, a progressive farmer who attended this function along with a large group of farmers, termed it as a ‘dream come true’ for the farming community which has been facing and combating the challenge of foot rot management in basmati for the last several years.
Among others present were, Dr Gursahib Singh, Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanization); Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication; Dr Narinder pal Singh Joint Director Agriculture, heads of various departments, faculty of PAU and officials of IPL Biologicals Limited were also present.
Earlier, Dr Vimla Parkash, Senior General Manager of IPL Biologicals Limited, welcomed the dignitaries and other guests to the formal launch ceremony of the PAU strain.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=9184
