Archive · 25 Jun 2025
IISR Develops Bio-Pesticide to Protect Cardamom Crops
Scientists at IISR have created a special bug spray to protect cardamom plants from tiny pests called thrips.
These pests damage the plants and reduce how much cardamom farmers can harvest.
The new spray is made from a natural fungus that kills the thrips.
It works as well as the usual chemical sprays, but it's safer for the environment and helps the plants grow better.
The new spray is easy to use and can be mixed with other things, like manure.
It's a good alternative to harmful chemicals, helping farmers and the environment.
IISR developed a bio-pesticide to combat cardamom thrips, a destructive pest.
Cardamom thrips cause significant crop losses, reducing yields by up to 48%.
The bio-pesticide uses the fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae, which is effective and promotes plant growth.
Field trials showed the formulation is as effective as chemical insecticides.
The bio-pesticide is designed to be user-friendly and can be used in IPM programs.
- Who
- Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) developed the bio-pesticide.
- What
- IISR developed a bio-pesticide to control cardamom thrips.
- When
- Published on June 25, 2025. The bio-pesticide was developed recently.
- Where
- Developed at IISR, Kozhikode; field trials in Idukki and Wayanad districts.
- Why
- To combat cardamom thrips, which damage crops and reduce yields.
Chemical Pesticide Use
Bio-pesticide alternative
Pesticide Application
Chemical Pesticide Use
Reliance on chemical insecticides for pest control
Bio-pesticide alternative
Use of bio-pesticide as an alternative to chemical pesticides
- Organization
- Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR)
- Pest targeted
- Cardamom thrips
- Pesticide type
- Bio-pesticide (Lecanicillium psalliotae)
- Crop affected
- Cardamom
- Yield reduction
- Up to 48%
- Location of trials
- Idukki and Wayanad districts
- Form
- Granular