Date:27/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/27/stories/2008122755200500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Bio-control agents’ production stressed

Staff Reporter

COIMBATORE: In order to meet the farmers’ demands, a decentralised mass production system for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) needs to be advocated.

In addition, entrepreneurs need to be encouraged for mass production of bio-control agents at a lesser cost, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) C. Ramasamy said here recently.

According to a release, speaking at a training programme on “Recent Techniques in Entomological Research”, organised by TNAU in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, he expressed concern that insect pests along with diseases and weeds caused about 40 per cent loss in food grain production.

Pesticides

“The improper use of pesticides has resulted in the development of resistance among insects to insecticides, resurgence of insects and residue problems, leading to toxicity to natural enemies and environment.

It is a welcome feature that the total consumption of pesticides in India has come down from 75,033 tonnes to 39,733 tonnes.

On the other hand, consumption of bio-pesticides has increased from 123 tonnes to 1,920 tonnes,” Mr. Ramasamy said.

Studies had shown that application of plant growth promoting bacteria enhanced the activities of natural enemies in crops like rice, pulses and cotton.

More such studies were needed for understanding the tri-tropic relationship among the plant, insect and natural enemy which in turn could be utilised in pest management programmes.

Molecular tools

R. Samiyappan, Director, Centre for Plant Protection Studies, said molecular tools and methods needed to be followed for pest management, which would enable reduction of use of chemical pesticides.