Phyto-biostimulant for enhancing pesticide efficiency in agriculture
A novel phytomelatonin-based biostimulant enhances pesticide efficiency by improving plant absorption and translocation, reducing oxidative stress, and strengthening plant defenses. This approach promotes sustainable, eco-friendly agriculture with reduced pesticide use.
Overview
This innovative solution utilizes phytomelatonin, a plant-derived biostimulant, to enhance the efficiency of pesticides in agriculture. The biostimulant improves the absorption and translocation of pesticides within plants, reduces oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species, and activates antioxidant enzymes. This not only mitigates pesticide-induced phytotoxicity but also strengthens plant defense mechanisms by regulating defense-related genes and phytohormones. As a result, the use of this phyto-biostimulant can potentially lower pesticide application rates while maintaining or enhancing pest control effectiveness, leading to cost-effective and environmentally friendly farming practices.
Technical specifications
- Phytomelatonin: A key component that scavenges ROS and activates defense enzymes, promoting overall plant health.
- Enhanced Pesticide Absorption: By improving root growth and membrane permeability, phytomelatonin increases pesticide absorption and translocation.
- Improved Plant Immunity: Regulates defense-related genes and phytohormones, enhancing resistance to pests and diseases.
- Compatibility and Stability: Ongoing assessments of compatibility with target pesticides, stability, delivery, and degradation rates.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this solution is undergoing laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments. The research aims to validate the compatibility of phytomelatonin with pesticides, its impact on pesticide efficiency, crop resilience, and economic feasibility through comprehensive testing in various environments.
About Vellore Institute of Technology
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a private, multi‑campus deemed university headquartered in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, with a large student body and a strong applied research culture. Industry access is enabled through a Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy office that structures collaborations, a Central Research Facility with shared instrumentation, and a centralized Career Development Centre for internships and recruitment. Entrepreneurship is supported by the VIT Technology Business Incubator and an IPR & Technology Transfer Cell that manages disclosures, IP filing, licensing, and technology marketing. Research is backed by competitive funding from Indian national science and technology agencies; incubator programs receive support from DST, BIRAC, and MeitY.
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