Wake up, Phaseolus vulgaris Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Tcba05
After 4 years of research, the Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station has found a new use for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Station Director Lin Hsueh-shih said that whether it is Fusarium wilt in common beans or Rhizoctonia damping-off in peas, there is currently no specific effective pesticide, and even if new pesticides become available in the future, there is still a risk of pesticide residue; but Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is not a pesticide, has no effect on the human body, and can also fight pathogens. The Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station has already applied for a patent, and technology transfer to a private company for production and sale is expected as early as the end of March. Lin Hsueh-shih said another characteristic of Tcba05 is its broad spectrum, with antagonistic effects against Rhizoctonia damping-off and black rot in peas and cabbage, and water spinach (ong choy) treated 6 times with Tcba05 diluted 100-fold can also increase yields by 10 to 20%. However, based on trial results, Tcba05 has the most significant effect on common beans. Kuo Chien-chih said that the Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station and the Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station have both conducted research on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, but there are many strains of this bacterium, and the 3 stations have also screened specific crops for research, "like Miaoli focuses on strawberries, while Kaohsiung focuses on Solanaceae crops such as tomatoes and eggplants." As for the Taichung station, it conducted trials on common beans. Kuo Chien-chih said that Tcba05 can also extend the common bean harvest period by about 10 to 15 days, thereby increasing per-fen yields by 15%, from about 1.2 metric tons to 1.3 metric tons. Combined with common beans averaging NT$65 per kilogram, "this is quite ideal for farmers." In addition to dilution and drip irrigation, Tcba05 can also be used in dry form and mixed with seeds. The station has already applied, and technology transfer is expected as early as the end of March for farmers in need to purchase. (For inquiries, contact Kuo Chien-chih, assistant researcher at the Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, phone 04-8523101#330)
Kuo Chien-chih, assistant researcher at the Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, said that compared with the Miaoli and Kaohsiung stations, the Taichung station's Tcba05 is more significant for common beans. (Photo / Pan Tzu-chi)