Research source: Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode.
Root rot is a major challenge for farmers growing ginger and black pepper, and vanilla too. A solution to this is a bio-formulation made with lime. It is a common practice for farmers to apply lime to the soil before planting.
This product, developed by the Indian Institute of Spices Research in Kozhikode, combines Trichoderma, a friendly fungus that helps crops, with lime. The product developed at the institute is named Tricholime. This is being released through a program called Naipunyam.
Key disease pressure: The infection rate is 28 percent. In cardamom, it is 90 percent. This is the extent of crop damage.
Trichoderma is an effective bio-agent for preventing this. The discovery that its effectiveness increases when combined with lime is a new finding. This corrects the existing scientific knowledge that bio-agents should not be mixed with lime.
This is a bio-formulation that is more effective and beneficial to the soil than ordinary products. This product is named Tricolime. It was developed by a team led by Dr. V. Srinivasan, a senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Spices Research. Dr. M. Anandaraj, Dr. E. Jayashree, and Principal Scientist T.K. Jacob are the others on the team.
Tricholime was developed for commercialization. The institute had been conducting research on this since 2017. Most of the bio-formulations currently available in the market are talc-based. The institute developed this as a solution to the problem that such formulations cannot be applied immediately after applying lime.
Corrects soil acidity
Unlike other bio-formulations, this one corrects soil acidity.
Improves nutrient availability
It makes essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and calcium available to the plants.
Prevents root rot
Moreover, it prevents root rot disease in crops.
Can be applied after lime
The advantage is that this formulation can be applied immediately after applying lime.
Long-lasting in soil
It remains effective in the soil for a long time.
Works with organic manures
It does not lose its effectiveness when mixed with other organic manures.
Black pepper benefit: This product is also effective against quick wilt disease in black pepper. The institute claims this is the best bio-formulation developed in India to date.
For ginger and turmeric, which are prone to many diseases, Tricolime is very beneficial. It can be applied directly to the base of the plantlets. It is best to apply it one month after planting. After that, apply again at 2-month intervals by mixing it into the soil around the roots.
- 🌿 It is also good for controlling quick wilt disease in black pepper.
- 🌱 This formulation is being released for commercial production.
- 📅 It can be applied to the soil one week before planting.
- 🌧️ In perennial crops, Tricolime can be applied at the onset of the monsoon.
- 🛡️ This can prevent the final stage of fungal attack.
Tricolime: Individuals and institutions interested in a license for the commercial production of Tricolime can apply before the first of next month. For details and the application form, please contact the address below.
Director
Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode – 673012
Phone
+91-495-2731410
Contact Persons
Dr. V. Srinivasan, Dr. M. Anandaraj, Dr. E. Jayashree
Principal Scientist
T.K. Jacob
What is Tricholime used for in farming?
Tricholime is a bio-formulation made with lime and Trichoderma, a friendly fungus that helps crops. It is mainly useful for managing root rot in crops such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper and vanilla, while also helping correct soil acidity and supporting nutrient availability.
Can Tricholime be applied immediately after lime?
Yes. One of the major advantages of this formulation is that it can be applied immediately after applying lime. This is important because most talc-based bio-formulations currently available in the market cannot be used immediately after liming the soil.
Who developed Tricholime?
Tricholime was developed by the Indian Institute of Spices Research in Kozhikode. The team was led by Dr. V. Srinivasan, with Dr. M. Anandaraj, Dr. E. Jayashree and Principal Scientist T.K. Jacob also involved in the development.
How should farmers use Tricolime for ginger and turmeric?
For ginger and turmeric, Tricolime can be applied directly to the base of the plantlets. It is best applied one month after planting, and then again at 2-month intervals by mixing it into the soil around the roots.
Is Tricholime useful for black pepper quick wilt disease?
Yes. The product is also effective against quick wilt disease in black pepper. The article notes that it can be applied to perennial crops at the onset of the monsoon, helping prevent the final stage of fungal attack.
Does Tricholime work with organic manure?
According to the institute, Tricholime does not lose its effectiveness when mixed with other organic manures. It remains effective in the soil for a long time and also makes nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and calcium available to plants.
How can someone apply for a Tricolime commercial production license?
Individuals and institutions interested in a license for commercial production of Tricolime can apply before the first of next month. Details and the application form are available from the Director, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode – 673012.
