Eco-friendly biopesticides for rice diseases using essential oils
Developing eco-friendly biopesticides from essential oils to combat rice blight and blast, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing chemical pesticide reliance.
Overview
This innovative project focuses on developing eco-friendly biopesticides derived from essential oils, such as lemongrass and palmrosa, to manage rice blight and blast diseases. These essential oils contain active compounds like citral and geraniol, which induce defense enzymes in rice plants, enhancing natural resistance. The solution aims to provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides, aligning with agroecological principles and reducing environmental impact while improving farmer safety.
Technical specifications
- Essential oils used: Lemongrass, palmrosa
- Active compounds: Citral, geraniol
- Defense enzymes induced: Peroxidases, chitinases, β-glucanases
- Development stages:
- Selection and extraction of essential oils
- In vitro antimicrobial screening
- Defense response analysis
- Formulation development
- Greenhouse and field trials
- Phytotoxicity assessment
The project involves formulating stable biopesticides and testing their efficacy against pathogens like Xanthomonas oryzae and Magnaporthe grisea. These trials are conducted under both glasshouse and field conditions to ensure the solutions are effective and safe for widespread agricultural use.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 6, indicating that it has been demonstrated in relevant environments, including greenhouse and initial field conditions, paving the way for broader implementation in sustainable agriculture practices.
About Krishna University
Krishna University is a state university in Andhra Pradesh with four constituent colleges and an extensive affiliated-college network, giving it a broad regional higher-education and research footprint. Its industry model combines engineering and pharmaceutical facilities with agreements for expert exchange, student training, shared technical knowledge, and access to laboratories and equipment. A partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited provides a direct route to applied R&D and workforce development, while an entrepreneurship and start-up directorate supports broader engagement. Research is backed by competitive public funding, including the University Grants Commission and national science and technology agencies. A Centre for Research Studies and IPR Cell support sponsored research, consultancy, technology transfer, and commercialization.
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