On farm field trials, value addition, and generation of data for 9(3) registration of TERI-DBT Bollcure biopesticide technology
TERI with the support from DBT has developed bio-pesticide "Bollcure" from Eucalyptus leaf extract. Active principles have been identified and the product has been successfully tested on small plot field trials by ICAR Centers on cotton and chickpea following standard field protocols. Two patents for product and process have been filed. Many companies have shown interest in its commercialization. Sri Biotech, a reputed bio-pesticide is one such company with whom first licensing agreement has been signed on 13th November 2007 in the auspicious presence of Shri Kapil Sibbal - Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology and Dr. M.K Bhan, Secretary, DBT for commercialization of this technology. However, certain regulatory requirements need to be fulfilled before any company can commercially exploit it. First it should be listed in the Schedule of Insecticide Act 1968 and then it has to be registered by Central Insecticide Board (CIB) first as 9(3b) and then 9(3) (within 2-3 years of 9(3b) registration). 9(3b) is a provisional registration to initiate the process of its commercialization and to generate more data for 9 (3) registration and is valid for 2years, which may be extended to another 1year. "Bollcure" being a new botanical pesticide, it need to be first included in the Schedule of Insecticide Act 1968 for which a proposal has already been submitted by TERI (Appendix2) after that a application for its registration under 9(3b) under the Insecticide Act 1968 to CIB will be put up by March 2008. Data has already been generated for 9 (3b) registration. More data is required for 9(3) registration. Further these registrations are crop and pest specific, therefore, to enhance applicability of this technology, field trials are required on other crops and their pests. Large scale farmers' field trials are needed on cotton and chickpea for which the technology has already been tested to create awareness and acceptance among farming community. Eucalyptus chemicals are also reported to possess anti microbial activity; therefore testing of the product for its antifungal activity will give an added advantage. It is therefore proposed that TERI will study such parameters with the following objectives:
1. To create acceptability among farming community by large scale field trials on cotton and chickpea
2. Generate data for 9(3) registration as per CIB guidelines
3. To assess applicability of "Bollcure" on economically important crops other than cotton and chickpea, and pests other than bollworm
4. Study variability of active principle in various species of Eucalyptus and their accessions.
The ultimate objective is to successfully commercialize the technology so that farmers are able to use it at large scale.
1. To create acceptability among farming community by large scale field trials on cotton and chickpea
2. Generate data for 9(3) registration as per CIB guidelines
3. To assess applicability of "Bollcure" on economically important crops other than cotton and chickpea, and pests other than bollworm
4. Study variability of active principle in various species of Eucalyptus and their accessions.
The ultimate objective is to successfully commercialize the technology so that farmers are able to use it at large scale.