Experiment code 21.3.3.25
Experiment Title Formulation of biochar based biopesticides
Research Type Departmental Research
Experiment Background Biochar is defined by the International Biochar Initiative as the "solid material obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen limited environment". The high carbon in the biochar makes it an excellent source of substrate for microorganisms. Biochar remains in the soil for long periods, improving the physical, chemical, and biological soil attributes (Lima et al., 2018). Using biomass as feedstock to produce biochar reduces emissions from biomass that would otherwise naturally decay into greenhouse gases (Nurhayati et al., 2023). A key physical feature of most biochar is their highly porous structure and large surface area. This structure can provide refugia for beneficial soil micro-organisms. Effective way of absorbing this residue is the production of biochar and enriching it with beneficial microbial inoculants. Applying biopesticides with biochar significantly increases the rhizosphere population many beneficial micro-organisms and other diazotrophic microorganisms (Saranya et al., 2011). Additionally, formulation with biochar stimulated seed germination, plant growth and yield of tomato, as well as soil biological activity (Tripti et al., 2017). It enhances the competitive power of Trichoderma spp. at the soil. Both can act as a powerful alternative tool to manage plant diseases caused by pathogens inhabiting the soil, through different mechanisms (Medeiros et al., 2021). These reviews showed that the biochar has potential for the formulation of new products and enrichment studies should be undertaken. Hence, biochar produced from the Acacia sp. will be utilized as a media and carrier material for Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens.
Experiment Group Plant Protection
Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Unit (12)NAVINCHANDRA MAFATLAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (NAVSARI)
Department (263)Plant Pathology, NMCA, Navsari
BudgetHead (303/12131/00)303/01/REG/00035
Objective

1. Development of biochar based media for growth and proliferation of Trichoderma viride and common plant pathogenic fungi
2. Development of biochar based media for growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens and common plant pathogenic bacteria
3. Evaluation of biochar as carrier material for biopesticides

Season Not season specific
Location Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Location Unit (12)NAVINCHANDRA MAFATLAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (NAVSARI)
Location Department (263)Plant Pathology, NMCA, Navsari
Plot No NA
PI Name (NAU-EMP-2016-001743)KOTRAMMA CHANNABASAPPA ADDANGADI
PI Email kotramma@nau.in
PI Mobile 9427887614
Year of Approval 2025
Commencement Year 2025
Completion Year 2028
Design of Experiment

CRD

Crop Spacing (cm x cm)

NA

Gross Plot (m x m) NA
Net Plot (m x m) NA
Total Experiment Area (m2) NA
Plot History Last Three Year

NA

Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report

NA

Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Layout Plan

NA

Layout Plan Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Treatment

Objective 1
Treatment
Detail
T1
3% Biochar + PDA
T2
3% Biochar+ 50 % PDA
T3
3% Biochar + Dextrose @ 20g+ 20g of agar
T4
3% Biochar + Effluent of 200 g of peeled potato+ 20g of agar
T5
3% Biochar + 20g of agar
T6
PDA media
Objective 2
Treatment
Detail
3% Biochar + Agar @20g
T1
3% Biochar + Nutrient Agar Medium
T2
3% Biochar + 50 % Nutrient Agar Medium
T3
3% Biochar + Beef Extract @ 8g+Sodium Chloride @ 8g+Agar @ 15g
T4
3% Biochar + Peptone @ 5g +Sodium Chloride @ 8g +Agar @15g
T5
Nutrient Agar Medium
All the media compositions are for 1 litre
Objective 3.1
Treatment
Detail
T1
Biochar based formulation
(97% biochar+1.5% T. viride+1.5% CMC)
T2
Biochar +Talc based formulation
(72 % biochar+25% talc+1.5% T. viride+1.5% CMC)
T3
Biochar+Talc based formulation
(50% biochar+47% talc+1.5% T. viride+1.5% CMC)
T4
Biochar+Talc based formulation
(25% biochar+72 % talc+1.5% T. viride+1.5% CMC)
T5
Talc based formulation
(97% talc+1.5% T. viride+1.5% CMC)
Trichoderma viride: 2X106 CFU/g

Objective 3.2
Treatment
Detail
T1
Biochar based formulation
(97% biochar+1.5% P.f.+1.5% CMC)
T2
Biochar+Talc based formulation
(72 % biochar+25% talc+1.5% P.f.+1.5% CMC)
T3
Biochar+Talc based formulation
(50% biochar+47% talc+1.5% P.f.+1.5% CMC)
92
T4
Biochar+Talc based formulation
(25% biochar+72 % talc+1.5% P.f.+1.5% CMC)
T5
Talc based formulation
(97% talc+1.5% P.f.+1.5% CMC)
Pseudomonas flourescens 1X108 CFU/g

Treatment Attachment Attachment Not Available!
(NAU-EMP-2016-001743) KOTRAMMA CHANNABASAPPA ADDANGADI kotramma@nau.in 9427887614 11-03-2026
Active
(NAU-EMP-2008-000378) PRIYA JOHN pjohn@nau.in 9726214050 11/03/2026
Active
(NAU-EMP-1995-000237) KALUBHAI BALUBHAI RAKHOLIYA rakholiyakb@nau.in 9426213756 11/03/2026
Active
(NAU-EMP-2015-000325) SHIVANGI SUNILKUMAR KANSARA shivangi.kansara@nau.in 9687545952 11/03/2026
Active