Industrial Innovations

The objective of the technology is to provide a pesticidal composition for reducing soil borne pathogens like fungi and nematodes. A further objective is to provide a formulation with enhanced biological efficacy, no harmful pesticides residues in the environment and no phytotoxicity. Two types of pesticidal formulations viz solid alginate based granules and liquid were developed using lemongrass oil as the main active ingredient alginate-based granules because of gel matrix formation exhibit advantage of controlling the release rate of the active ingredient and easy soil application. Microemulsion formulation due to solubilization of the active ingredient by microemulsion droplets offers the advantages of enhanced biological efficacy and elimination of use of petroleum-based solvents. In pilot plant experiment soil treatment with developed microemulsion formulation approx. 5 ml active ingredient / msq gave good control of pathogens.