Dr. Kadiri Mahendra, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, School of Agriculture, Kaveri University, Gowraram, Telangana – 502279
Small and marginal farmers face increasing challenges in managing crop diseases due to high pesticide costs, environmental hazards, and resistance build-up in pathogens. This project aims to develop an affordable, eco-friendly biocontrol module using native microbial antagonists (bacteria and fungi) to manage blast and sheath blight (rice), stalk rot (maize), wilt and blight (tomato), and anthracnose and leaf curl (chilli). Activities include microbial isolation, characterization, formulation optimization, and multi-location field testing, resulting in a farmer-friendly, sustainable plant disease management solution.
Isolation of effective microbial antagonists from crop rhizospheres/endophytes; formulation development (single/consortium); mass production optimization; efficacy validation under field conditions; technology transfer through training and demonstrations.
2 years
Increased yield by 10–15%, 20–30% reduction in chemical pesticide use, improved soil health, higher farmer income, and promotion of sustainable agriculture practices.
Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Research Grants for Agriculture – 2025
Total Budget: ₹ 31,41,160/- (including institutional charges & GST)
Kaveri University was established as per the Telangana Private Universities (Establishment & Regulation) Act, 2018 under section 3.
