Even as farmers are gripped by anxiety as to whether they can save the standing ‘samba’ crop, the Agriculture Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Vamban have suggested spraying of Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) bacteria on the fields to mitigate drought and protect the crop.
A demonstration of the spraying of the PPFM bacteria was conducted at Narpavalakudi village near Aranthangi on Monday, to drive home its efficacy.
N. Annamalai, Joint Director of Agriculture, said that the PPFM bacteria, found on plant phyllosphere, secrete variety of growth hormones which could be used by the plants leading to an increased growth and yield.
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S.Mathiyazhagan Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology of the Kendra, explained the uses and different method of PPFM application in paddy crop.
M. Kathiravan, Assistant Professor of Seed Science and Technology and G. Prabu Kumar, Assistant Professor of Agronomy spoke on the uses of the bacteria. It would expedite seed germination and seedling growth and accelerate vegetative growth.
It would also increase leaf area index and chlorophyll content. The cost of spraying would be around Rs. 300 an acre, they said.
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Further details can be had by contacting Programme co-ordinator of the Kendra, R.Manimekalai or R. P. Gnanamalar, Professor and Head of National Pulses Research Centre, by dialling 04322 290321 during working hours.
Paddy has been raised in Aranthangi, Avudaiyarkoil, Manamelkudi and Arimalam blocks in the district.