New technique: Scientist creates bio-herbicide to enhance crop yield

FAISALABAD: A soil scientist at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad has developed bio-herbicides containing bacteria that can be used to control weeds and enhance crop yields. The bacterial suspension can be used on a variety of crops, including wheat, maize and rice.

Muhammad Naveed, 32, has been successful in developing the bacterial formula, which is likely to prove instrumental in enhancing the yield of crops by at least 20%.

The scientist completed his PhD in 2013 from Austria in research and communication. He is currently serving as an assistant professor at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

“I am working on endophytic bacterial application methods for increasing crop production and have designed a new application method for the purpose,” he said while speaking to The Express Tribune on Monday.

Talking about the functioning of the bacteria, he claimed the bacterial suspension is sprayed on flowers that enter the plant and colonise the emerging seeds. By planting the colonised seeds, the bacteria get activated and proliferate the offspring generation.

He added the colonised seeds result in improved production and plant vitality in the subsequent plant generation.

Naveed said he was conducting further research on the role of bacteria in ameliorating stress in crops, combined use of beneficial bacteria with different organic amendments to advance soil fertility, crop production and environment remediation, bacteria and its role in crop nutrition and bio-control of crop disease with beneficial bacteria.

He maintained he also developed an innovative biotechnological approach of using endophytic microbes and organic amendments. While giving details of another research development, he claimed to have also evolved a new acidified organic product to enhance the use of chemical fertiliser.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2016.