1. BIOFERTILIZERS USED IN BANANA Next End

2. After going through this RLO you should be able to:  Explain the role of biofertilizers in banana production and How to apply biofertilizers in banana crop. Next Previous End

3. Introduction As the agriculture moves towards modernization, the frequent use of synthetic fertilizers is increased. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers directly or indirectly causes soil ill health, soil pollution and declines crop productivity. The importance of biofertilizer as a component of integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is viewed as sustainable crop production system, not only on yield maximization but also for the agro-system stability. In this RLO, types of biofertilizers, importance and methods of their application are being described. Next Previous End

4. Importance of Biofertilizer The importance of biofertilizer in crop production is detailed as following: Biofertilizer is a natural organic fertilizer helps to provide all the nutrients required by the plants and helps to increase the quality of the soil with a natural microorganism environment. It is the most advanced tool of bio technology necessary to support developing organic agriculture, sustainable agriculture, green agriculture and non-pollution agriculture. This Bio-organic Fertilizer can increase the output, improve the quality and it is responsible for agriculture environment. It is well known that the continue use and overuse of petrochemical based fertilizers and toxic pesticides have caused a detrimental effect to our soils, water supplies, foods, animals and even people. (Cont).. Next Previous End

5. The Biological Grower is more sensible with sustainable approach and employs the resources of both science and nature to allow better results in his production. For centuries, peat moss has been recognized soil bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other bio-organisms to enrich the soil to produce safe, nutritious and abundant crops. It is an excellent fertilizer sources. All natural organic fertilizers made with pure peat moss. Biofertilizer Contains a wide range of naturally chelated plant nutrients and trace elements, carbohydrates, amino acids and other growth promoting substances. It acts as a soil conditioner by stimulating microbial activity in the soil which results in improved air-water relationships in soil, improved fertility and makes soil less prone to compaction and erosion. (Cont).. Next Previous End

6. Since these fertilizers are eco-friendly they can be used generously to promote healthy crops. This blend makes an excellent foliar fertilizer. Besides being a nutritionally complete fertilizer (containing even calcium), the nutrients are readily absorbed by the leaf. Foliar applications on a regular basis can increase the health, vigor and yield of plants due to this easily absorbed additional nutrition. The quality of the soil is also improved thanks to these environmentally friendly fertilizers. Next Previous End

7. Types of Biofertilizer NutrientsSource BiofertilizersCrop For NitrogenRhizobiumlegume crops Azotobacter/Azospirillumnon legume crops Acetobactersugarcane only BGA and Azollalow land paddy For PhosphorousPhosphatika to be applied with Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and Acetobacter for all crops For enriched compost Cellulolytic fungal culture - Phosphotika and Azotobacter culture - Next Previous End

8. Rhizobium Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Vesicular Arbuscular Endomycorrhiza Next Previous End

9. Vesicular Arbuscular Endomycorrhiza Mycorrhizae is the symbiotic association between plant roots and soil fungus of the 7 types of mycorrhizae, VAM plays a great role in inducing plant growth. VAM are symbiotic entophytic soil fungi, which colonize the roots of approximately 80% plants. VAM fungi produce hyphae, which are microscopic tubes that colonize crop roots and grow out into the soil further than root hairs. Nutrients are taken up by the hyphae and carried back to the plant. This results into very efficient mobilization & uptake of fertilizers and other nutrients by plants. The VAM hyphae also help is retaining moisture around the root zone of plants. (Cont).. Next Previous End

10. The VAM hyphae also help is retaining moisture around the root zone of plants It increases the resistance to root borne or soil borne pathogens and Nematodes. Enhanced colonization of introduced population of beneficial soil organisms like Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Rhizobium and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria around mycorrhizal roots thereby exerting synergistic effects on plant growth. Next Previous End

11. Advantage of VAM: VAM is highly versatile and colonizes 85 % of the plant families. It penetrates the roots, forms arbuscules and vesicles in the cortical cells of the roots and hyphae and spores in the soil. The mychorrhiza penetrates the roots, mobilizes & supplies phosphorous and other micronutrients to the plants. Solubilize phosphate and transports micronutrients such as zinc, Manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum etc. from the surrounding area to the plant. Increase the plant vigor by inducing drought resistance of young seedlings. VAM protects the plants from the fungal pathogens. Next Previous End

12. Recommendations: Recommendation of biofertilizer in banana: Name of Crop: Banana (Variety: Rasthali, Robusta, Red Banana, Grand 9) – 1000 suckers (1 acre) Product NameMixing proportion Total Quanity required/ acre Reason of applicationCost / acre 1.Sucker Treatment Azosfer Add 200ml of Pseudocon, Dermacon V & Azosfer each to required quantity of water and dip the suckers in the solution for few minutes and shade dry for 2 hours before planting. Azosfer 200 ml To make the young plant free from any bacterial Development of new roots at a faster rate. Rs.125/- Pseudocon 200 ml Rs.190/- Dermacon V 200 ml Rs.190/- Next Previous End

13. 2.Basal Application (0-45 days from the date of planting) Azosfer Prepare a solution of1ml of Azosfer, Phosphofer, Kmofer, Pseudocon & Dermacon V (each) in 1litre of water and drench the soil around each plant with 1 litre of this solution. (1000 lits of solution needed per acre) Azosfer 1000 ml To improve the soil with beneficial microbes, for converting to 100% organic practices. To make the plant disease resistant Rs.600/- Phosphofer Phosphofer 1000 ml Rs.600/- Kmofer 1000 ml Rs.600/- Dermacon V 1000 ml Rs.900/- Pseudocon 1000 ml Rs.900/- Next Previous End

14. 3. Foliar Application (60-75 days from the date of planting) PseudoconPrepare a solution of2ml of Pseudocon in 1 litre of water and spray the solution over the entire plant. ( 100 lits of solution needed per acre) Pseudocon 200 ml · To prevent the fungal and bacterial diseases · To promote growth. Rs.190/- 4. Basal Application – Second dose (100-110 days from the date of planting) – Optional KmoferPrepare a solution of1ml of Kmofer, Pseudocon & Dermacon V (each) in 1litre of water and drench the soil around each plant with 1 litre of this solution. (1000 lits of solution needed per acre) Kmofer 1000 ml To improve the soil with beneficial microbes, for converting to 100% organic practices. · To make the plant disease resistant. Rs.600/- Dermacon V Rs.900/- Pseudocon Rs.900/- Next Previous End

15. 5. Foliar Application(if Symptoms of pest attack found) Beauvericide/ Verticide Prepare a solution of2ml of Beauvericide / Verticide (or both) in 1 litre of water and spray the solution over the entire plant. (100 lits of solution needed per acre) Beauvericide 200 ml Verticide 200 ml To prevent and control sucking pest attack. Rs.190/- If the above full package of practices is not followed, the hi-lighted package itself would yield desired results in disease controlling.  The Basal doses to be given along with organic matter (Farm yard compost, Vermicompost etc) or in the region where the organic matter is applied.  The regular inorganic N,P,K fertilizers and micro nutrients could be reduced to 50% - 70%, depending upon the organic content of the soil.  The use of harmful chemical fungicides &bactericides, Pesticides could be completely avoided. Next Previous End

16. B. METHOD OF APPLICATION The biofertilizers may be applied in soil or suckers of banana plants. The detail of procedure is given as below: 1.6 Soil application:  Mix 4 kg each of biofertilisers in 200 kg of compost and leave it overnight.  200 g per sq.mt. in seed/nursery bed.  2 g per seedling in the Nursery stage  5 g per seedling at the time of planting  10-15 g per garden trees and fruit trees respectively.  100-200 g per plant of grown tree species.  3-5 kg/acre of VAM can be applied in 2-3 cm depth.  Mix 4 kg each of biofertilisers in 200 kg of compost and leave it overnight.  Apply this mixture in the soil at the time of sowing or planting. Next Previous End

17. Sucker treatment: Suspend 200 g N biofertilizer and 200 gms Phosphotika in 300-400 ml of water and mix thoroughly. Dip the roots of seedlings in this suspension for 30-40 min before transplanting. Sow immediately. Mix this paste with 10 kg seeds & dry in shade. Next Previous End

18. FARMERS DEMONSRTRATION OF SOIL APPLICATION FOR BIOFERTILIZERS Next Previous End

19. Orchards: Apply at the root zone of individual trees or vines directly early in the season @ 3-4 ml / liter of water. Application through irrigation: Apply 50ml to soil along with irrigation by drip/sprinkler per acre. Next Previous End

20. Precautions:  Store biofertilizer packets in cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.  Use right combination of biofertilizers.  Rhizobium is crop specific, so use in specified crop.  Do not mix with chemicals.  While purchasing ensure that each packet is provided with necessary information like name of the product, name of the crop for which intended, name and address of the manufacturer, date of manufacture, date of expiry, batch No and instructions for use.  Use the packet before expiry, only on the specified crop, by the recommended method. Next Previous End

21. To sum up Previous Use of chemical fertilizer leads to cause of soil deterioration and water pollution. In view of the disadvantages associated with the use of chemical fertilizers, it is important to use alternative sources, which are environment friendly. Biofertilizers, most of which are nitrogen fixing microorganisms, are considered to be suitable alternative source of plant nutrition. Farmers can adopt this technology to improve the land resources and save natural environment.