Bio-fungicide developed by LPU student for capsicum

Farmers and households can now enjoy capsicum that is free of fungus and chemical, thanks to a significant advancement in sustainable farming.

Rajeev Kumar, a research scholar from the Department of Plant Pathology at Lovely Professional University (LPU), has developed an innovative bio-fungicide to combat the fungal pathogen, Phytophthora capsici, which has long posed a threat to capsicum crops.

Phytophthora capsici is a detrimental pathogen that harms vegetable crops like bell peppers, leading to substantial economic losses and reduced yields. Traditionally, chemical fungicides have been used to control this pathogen. However, these chemicals pose significant risks to the environment, soil health and human well-being.

In response to these concerns, Kumar and his research team, under the expert guidance of Dr Sweta Srivastava, sought an environment-friendly alternative by developing a bio-fungicide derived from leaf extracts of weed plants, specifically Ageratum conyzoides and Parthenium hysterophorus, which proved effective against the pathogen.

The breakthrough provides an eco-friendly and highly effective solution for farmers to protect their crops, while ensuring that households have access to fresh, healthy and chemical-free capsicum for their kitchens.

The biofungicide developed by Kumar offers several advantages over conventional chemical treatments. Not only does it effectively control Phytophthora capsici, but it also preserves ecological balance by preventing soil and water pollution. Moreover, this innovative solution is affordable and easily accessible for farmers, making it an ideal option for promoting sustainable farming practices across the agricultural landscape.