Biography
Biography: Kartik Laijawala
Abstract
Chemical pesticide-residue is one of the most troubling facets of everyday life in most countries around the world. With resistance being built among pests, dosages are increasing, causing even more trouble for the end-consumer. Nematode infestation is one of the major stresses affecting crop production worldwide. Chemical control has led to the development of resistance and additionally, synthetic nematicides indiscriminately destroy beneficial soil fauna. There is more reasons everyday to find newer, less harmful ways to control the pest/fungi/nematode problem. Biological control is one of the most promising solutions. After all, mice are never going to develop a resistance to cats! The paper will discuss the use of Paecilomyces lilacinus, a biocontrol method for nematode control. It will discuss the problem of nematodes globally, their effect on crop production and will go on to speak about possible solutions, focusing on the bio-actives Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma species. I will present the active ingredients, discussing life-cycle, usability, costs involved, materials and methods and go on to describe the beneficial environmental impact of using biocontrol techniques. Toward the end, I hope to speak about our own products.