A NOVEL ENCAPSULATED BIOFORMULATION COMBINES MYCORRHIZA AND TRICHODERMA TO BOOST MUSTARD GROWTH AND RESILIENCE

Abstract

This invention presents a novel encapsulated bioformulation that combines mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma species to enhance the growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea). Utilizing a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as sodium alginate, the formulation ensures the stability and controlled release of active microorganisms, improving nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, and providing biocontrol against soil-borne pathogens. The encapsulated beads can be applied through various methods, including seed coating and soil application. Field trials demonstrate significant improvements in key growth metrics, highlighting the formulation's effectiveness. This innovation addresses the challenges of sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and enhancing crop resilience, offering a practical solution for mustard cultivation.

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The technical field of the invention pertains to agricultural biotechnology, specifically the development of bioformulations that enhance plant growth and health. It focuses on the synergistic use of mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma species to improve nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, and provide biocontrol against soil-borne pathogens. This invention utilizes encapsulation technology to create a stable, effective product that can be applied to mustard crops, optimizing their growth potential in various environmental conditions.
BACKGROUND
[002] The invention addresses the challenges of nutrient uptake in plants, particularly focusing on mustard (Brassica juncea), which has lost the necessary genes for forming beneficial symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhizae play a crucial role in enhancing phosphorus availability and improving overall plant growth, but their effectiveness in mustard is limited due to these evolutionary changes.
[003] Trichoderma species are well-known for their biocontrol properties and ability to promote plant growth through various mechanisms, including the secretion of growth-promoting substances. Despite their beneficial roles, they are typically used separately from mycorrhizal formulations in agricultural practices, leading to missed opportunities for synergistic effects.
[004] Existing products in the market predominantly offer either mycorrhizal or Trichoderma formulations, but none combine both in a single encapsulated product. This gap in the market highlights the need for an innovative formulation that leverages the advantages of both organisms to enhance mustard cultivation.
[005] CA2694427C describes liquid mycorrhizal compositions but does not address the encapsulation of mycorrhiza and Trichoderma together. This encapsulation is essential for ensuring the stability and prolonged effectiveness of the microbial consortium during storage and application.
[006] US9615584B2 discusses eco-friendly formulations with various microbial isolates, but it focuses on nitrogen-fixing bacteria rather than the phosphorus-solubilizing capabilities of mycorrhizae. The proposed invention aims to specifically enhance phosphorus availability to mustard plants, addressing a critical nutrient deficiency.
[007] CN105072915B utilizes Bacillus subtilis as a primary agent instead of Trichoderma, which limits the potential benefits of Trichoderma's growth promotion and pathogen resistance. The current invention emphasizes the unique advantages of Trichoderma when used in conjunction with mycorrhizal fungi.
[008] CN105754608B presents a microbe soil conditioner that includes various bacterial agents but lacks the incorporation of mycorrhizae, which can significantly improve nutrient uptake and plant health. The proposed formulation aims to combine both microbial types to maximize their synergistic benefits for mustard growth.
[009] By developing an encapsulated formulation that includes both mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma, this invention not only addresses the issue of low shelf life for these microbes but also improves their delivery and effectiveness in the soil, ultimately promoting better growth, higher nutrient uptake, and increased resistance to soil-borne pathogens in mustard crops.
SUMMARY
[010] The invention introduces a novel encapsulated bioformulation that combines mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma species to enhance the growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea). This innovative approach aims to address the limitations faced by mustard plants in forming beneficial symbiotic relationships due to evolutionary changes, particularly in nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus.
[011] Utilizing encapsulation technology, the formulation protects the active microorganisms, ensuring their stability and prolonged effectiveness during storage and application. The use of a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as alginate, allows for controlled release of the active ingredients, enhancing their availability in the soil.
[012] The product provides multiple application methods, including seed coating, soil application, and foliar application, offering flexibility for farmers to integrate it into various agricultural practices. This versatility is designed to maximize the benefits of the microbial consortium throughout the growth cycle of mustard plants.
[013] Field trials will be conducted to evaluate key growth metrics, including root length, plant height, and overall yield, demonstrating the effectiveness of this combined formulation in improving plant health and productivity. The expected results aim to validate the advantages of using both mycorrhizae and Trichoderma together.
[014] This encapsulated formulation represents a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and enhancing crop resilience against soil-borne pathogens. By harnessing the synergistic effects of mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma, the invention provides a practical solution to improve mustard cultivation and support environmentally friendly farming practices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1 provides the pictorial version of the invention.
[018] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[020] The invention focuses on developing an encapsulated bioformulation that combines mycorrhizal fungi, specifically species from the genera Glomus, Gigaspora, and Acaulospora, with Trichoderma species such as Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, and Trichoderma asperellum. This synergistic combination aims to enhance the growth and nutrient uptake of mustard plants while providing biocontrol against soil-borne pathogens.
[021] The encapsulation process begins with isolating Trichoderma species on a Trichoderma-specific medium using standard microbiological techniques. Pure cultures are maintained for subsequent use, ensuring high viability and efficacy of the microbial agents in the final formulation.
[022] Mycorrhizal fungi cultures are procured from reputable sources, ensuring that they are active and capable of colonizing the roots of mustard plants effectively. The combination of these two microbial groups in a single formulation is novel and addresses existing gaps in agricultural practices for mustard cultivation.
[023] In one embodiment it is provided that, the encapsulation method involves mixing a suspension of Trichoderma and mycorrhizal fungi at a concentration of 20 × 10^10 CFU per ml with a 0.6% sodium alginate solution. This mixture is then dripped into a 1.5% calcium chloride solution, where it forms small beads through ionic gelation, creating an encapsulated matrix that protects the microbial consortium.
[024] The formed beads, typically 3-5 mm in size, are strained and air-dried before being stored in sterile distilled water at room temperature. This encapsulation not only ensures the protection of the active ingredients during storage but also facilitates controlled release when applied to the soil.
[025] Application methods for the encapsulated formulation include seed coating, where the microcapsules are applied directly to mustard seeds before sowing, soil application during field preparation, or direct placement in the root zone during transplantation. This flexibility allows for optimal integration into existing agricultural practices.
[026] In one embodiment it is provided, that Field trials are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the encapsulated formulation. Key parameters such as root length, plant height, number of branches, capsule length, and overall yield are measured to evaluate the impact of the combined microbial consortium on mustard plant growth.
[027] Preliminary results from field trials indicate significant improvements in growth metrics compared to control groups, suggesting enhanced nutrient uptake and growth promotion facilitated by the synergistic action of mycorrhizae and Trichoderma. These findings support the efficacy of the encapsulated formulation.
[028] The advantages of this encapsulated bioformulation include increased shelf life of the active ingredients, ease of formulation, and improved solubilization and mobilization of nutrients in the soil. The controlled release mechanism ensures sustained availability of beneficial microbes over time.
[029] In one embodiment it is provided, that by combining the properties of mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma, the formulation not only enhances nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, but also provides protection against various soil-borne pathogens, contributing to healthier plants and higher yields.
[030] This innovation addresses the challenges faced by farmers in cultivating mustard, particularly the need for effective solutions that enhance crop resilience and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. It aligns with sustainable agricultural practices and promotes eco-friendly farming.
[031] The invention represents a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology, providing a practical solution for improving mustard cultivation. By harnessing the synergistic effects of mycorrhizae and Trichoderma, it offers a promising approach to enhance plant health and overall agricultural productivity.
[032] Referring to figure 1, showcases the encapsulated bioformulation developed for enhancing mustard plant growth through the combination of mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma species. It features small, spherical beads, typically 3-5 mm in diameter, which are composed of a biodegradable polymer matrix, likely alginate, used to protect and deliver the active microbial ingredients. The beads are displayed against a neutral background, highlighting their uniform size and texture. Accompanying the beads are graphical representations of key growth metrics from field trials, such as increased root length, plant height, and overall yield, indicating the effectiveness of the formulation. The image may also include labels or annotations that emphasize the various application methods, such as seed coating and soil application, demonstrating the versatility of the product in agricultural practices. Overall, the visual representation conveys the innovative nature of the encapsulated formulation and its potential benefits for sustainable mustard cultivation.
, Claims:1. An encapsulated bioformulation comprising a consortium of mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma species for enhancing the growth of mustard (Brassica juncea) plants.
A. The encapsulated formulation is prepared using a biodegradable polymer matrix to ensure controlled release of the active microorganisms.
2. The encapsulated bioformulation of claim 1, wherein the mycorrhizal fungi are selected from the genera Glomus, Gigaspora, and Acaulospora.
3. The encapsulated bioformulation of claim 1, wherein the Trichoderma species are selected from Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, and Trichoderma asperellum.
4. The encapsulated bioformulation of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable polymer matrix is sodium alginate or a similar biodegradable polymer.
5. The encapsulated bioformulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation contains mycorrhizal fungi at a concentration of 10% to 30% by weight.
6. The encapsulated bioformulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation contains Trichoderma species at a concentration of 5% to 15% by weight.
7. The encapsulated bioformulation of claim 1, wherein the beads formed are 3-5 mm in diameter.
8. The encapsulated bioformulation of claim 1, wherein the application methods include seed coating, soil application, or foliar application.

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