Indian Spice Research Institute's New Achievement: Biological Pesticide Solves Cardamom Thrips Control Challenge

Published 2025년 7월 2일

Tridge summary

According to sources, cardamom cultivation area in India exceeds 70,000 hectares and is a high-value export crop crucial to farmers' livelihoods and India's spice economy. Thrips infestation can affect 30-90% of pods, causing yield reductions of up to 45-48%. The resulting economic losses are substantial, reaching up to 200,000-400,000 rupees per acre. Until now, farmers have had almost no alternative to repeated chemical pesticide spraying, which has led to health risks, high input costs, and residue issues.

Now, a research team from the Indian Spice Research Institute has developed a bio-pesticide based on the natural fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae. This fungus can directly infect thrips at all life stages. The natural biological control agent, isolated from cardamom thrips, has been confirmed as effective as synthetic pesticides in field trials conducted in Kerala's Idukki and Wayanad regions.

Dr. R. Dinesh, Director of the Indian Spice Research Institute, stated: "The application of this biological control technology will revolutionize the cardamom industry. The product is a safer, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides that helps improve soil health, increase yields, and meets global residue requirements."

The granular formulation is convenient to use and can be easily mixed with organic fertilizers and applied to soil. The product can be applied 3-4 times during the crop growth cycle, aligning with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Beyond pest control, this fungus can also improve plant health and nutrient utilization, providing dual benefits for farmers.

The bio-pesticide has been laboratory certified by CIBRC, meets regulatory requirements, and is ready for commercial licensing and production. The Indian Spice Research Institute is now inviting agricultural input companies and industry partners to bring it to market, expanding its reach to benefit cardamom growers in India and globally.

This innovative achievement stems from a team of scientists including Dr. C. M. Senthil Kumar, Dr. T. K. Jacob, and Dr. S. Devasahayam, who are dedicated to ensuring the bio-pesticide's suitability for field application.

Original content

According to sources, India's cardamom cultivation area exceeds 70,000 hectares and is a high-value export crop crucial to farmers' livelihoods and India's spice economy. Thrips damage can affect 30-90% of pods and reduce yields by up to 45-48%. The resulting economic losses are substantial, reaching 200,000-400,000 rupees per acre. Until now, farmers have had almost no alternative to repeated chemical pesticide spraying, which has led to health risks, high input costs, and residue issues. Now, a research team from the Indian Spices Board has developed a bio-pesticide based on the natural fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae. This fungus can infect thrips at all life stages through direct contact. The natural biological control agent, isolated from cardamom thrips, has been confirmed as effective as synthetic pesticides in field trials conducted in Kerala's Idukki and Wayanad regions. Dr. R. Dinesh, Director of the Indian Spices Board, stated: "The application of this bio-control ...

Source: Foodmate