Product based on novel strain of Trichoderma virens developed in India, promising in crop yield growth

Trichoderma spp. are widely produced and used to protect crops from root pathogens. They combat plant diseases through parasitism, competition, antibiosis, and the production of enzymes, volatile organic compounds, and secondary metabolites that control pathogen populations, and they can secrete certain metabolites that activate plant natural resistance to diseases. 

The global biofungicide market is estimated at USD 1.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 16%, and Trichoderma is estimated to hold the largest share in the biofungicide market in 2020. (Source: MarketsandMarkets)

There are more than 370 Trichoderma spp., such as T. harzianum, T. virens, T. viride, T. asperellum, T. hamatum, T. atroviride and T. koningii , revealed by research. Trichoderma are the most commonly used biofungicides. In India alone, more than 300 products are registered and available in the market for use in agriculture.

It has stimulated a marked interest in research to find more strains of Trichoderma spp. and develop formulations that provide higher efficacy on pathogen control. Prasun K. Mukherjee, fellow from Indian National Science Academy, and his team has developed a formulation based on a new strain of T. virens. They isolated and improved the stain to developed formulation that demonstrated significant yield improvement in many crops. Indian Council of Agricultural Research has recommended applying this formulation as chickpea seed treatment. The formulation has been registered with the Govt. of India, Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee, making it the first mutant microbe to be registered for field applications. Their technology has been transferred to five companies and two products have been launched in Indian market.

Prasun K. Mukherjee will give a presentation at BioEx 2024, to share their experience on development and commercialization of the formulation, beginning with isolation from soil, strain improvement, to deployment by farmers. We welcome you to BioEx 2024 to learn more and for further discussion.