BAU Correspondent:
As Bangladesh continues to boost food production, the unregulated and excessive use of chemical pesticides remains a growing concern for public health and the environment. Among these, fungicides constitute nearly 45-46% of all pesticides used in the country- followed by insecticides (33%) and herbicides (20-21%). These toxic chemicals are harmful to soil, water, air, and human health, and pose a serious ecological threat.
In a promising breakthrough, a team of researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh has developed what they claim to be the country’s first environment-friendly and locally sourced fungicide named PG Trichoderma, using indigenous technology and native microbes. The product is expected to reduce dependency on harmful chemicals while enhancing crop yield and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The innovation was spearheaded by Professor Dr. Mohammad Shahjahan Monjil of the Department of Plant Pathology. The team used the fungal species Trichoderma asperellum, which Dr. Monjil isolated and bio-formulated for agricultural application. Professor Dr. K.M. Mohiuddin from the Department of Agricultural Chemistry contributed to enhancing the quality and efficacy of the product, while Professor Dr. Md. Ali Ashraf from the Department of Farm Structure and Environmental Engg. led the production and environmental assessment.
The research was conducted at BAU’s Microbiology and Biocontrol Laboratory and supported by various grants since 2001 from the University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, and more recently, the World Bank via the Bangladesh Computer Council under the Ministry of ICT. The product is now in its trial production phase, with commercial registration in its final stages.
PG Trichoderma is not only a potent biocontrol agent against fungal pathogens but also acts as an organic fertilizer. It produces enzymes, volatile compounds, and secondary metabolites that boost plant immunity, enhance nutrient uptake, and help plants tolerate heat, salinity, and acidity. “This fungus resides in the root zone and stimulates root growth,” said Prof. Monjil.
Importantly, BAU researchers are the first in Bangladesh to sequence the gene of the locally sourced T. asperellum. The genetic information has been internationally recognized and archived in the NCBI Gene Bank (accession number: OR125623).
The research team collected thousands of rhizospheric soil samples from various agroecological zones across Bangladesh and successfully isolated over 100 strains of Trichoderma. After extensive evaluation, T. asperellum was chosen due to its superior adaptation to local conditions and high efficacy. “As this strain was isolated from Bangladeshi soil, it performs better than imported formulations,” said Prof. Monjil.
Trials using P.G. Trichoderma have shown impressive results in field crops. Yields of tomato, potato, and eggplant increased by 20-25%; spinach and Malabar spinach saw 40-50% improvement; betel leaf yield rose by 45-50%, and tea production nearly doubled in some trials. Okra, chili, and cucumber yields also went up by 15-20%.
“The fungicide combats common diseases such as root rot, stem rot, leaf blight, and also improves root health and nutrient uptake,” Prof. Monjil explained. “It can even be used in rooftop farming and aquaculture.”
Another unique aspect of PG Trichoderma is its safety in aquatic environments. “It does not contain any toxic chemical agents and poses no threat to fish, amphibians, or other aquatic organisms,” said Prof. Monjil. Collaborative research with BAU’s Department of Aquaculture revealed that using the fungicide as a feed supplement in tilapia farming improved fish size, reduced water pollution, and eliminated harmful fungi and pathogens.
According to Professor Mohiuddin, PG Trichoderma also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. “Our trials show that chemical fertilizer use can be reduced by 20-25% while still achieving equal or better yields,” he said. The biofungicide solubilizes phosphates, enhances nitrogen efficiency, regulates soil acidity and salinity, and supports crop growth even in heavy-metal-contaminated soil.
Farmers who have used PG Trichoderma report substantial benefits. Agriculturist Shafiqul Islam, a betel leaf grower from Narsingdi, said, “Root rot was a serious problem in my betel field. After applying PG Trichoderma, my plants no longer died from the disease. I cut costs by almost half and significantly increased my yield.”
Shihab Uddin Chowdhury, Assistant Manager at Fultola Tea Estate in Moulvibazar, echoed similar sentiments. “I achieved more than double the previous yield after using PG Trichoderma in my tea garden,” he said. “It also reduced my reliance on chemical fungicides and micronutrients. I use 3 grams per liter, but 5 grams gives even better results—and it’s cheaper.”
Dr. Salma Laiju, Additional Director of the Mymensingh Divisional Agricultural Office, said, “If this eco-friendly fungicide is made available at an affordable price, our office is willing to procure it for distribution to farmers. It holds tremendous potential for our agriculture, environment, and public health.”
Encouraged by the success of PG Trichoderma, the research team is now eyeing the development of bio-insecticides and multi-functional biopesticides. “With adequate funding, we aim to further explore sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical inputs in agriculture,” said Prof. Monjil.
As the world moves toward climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, Bangladesh may find a home-grown solution in PG Trichoderma- an innovation rooted in its own soil.
