Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer Project

Issue No. 11
Mar c h , 2 0 1 3

Overview of FNCA Biofertilizer Project 2012
Tadashi Yokoyama, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT)At the workshop, summaries of research activities
in 2012 were reported by the participating
countries. In addition, a discussion was held on
project acitivity for 2013 - 2016, and agreements
were made on application of radiation sterilizationof carriers and challenges, development ofmulti-functional biofertilizer, development of
FNCA guideline for biofertilizer quality analysis,
and evaluation and activity plan of synergy effectbetween biofertilizer and irradiated oligochitosan.
For application of radiation sterilization of carriers,
it was confirmed that the Philippines started touse gamma irradiation sterilization for commercial
production of biofertilizer in October 2012. Further
efforts to enhance the use of gamma sterilization ofcarrier for commercial application will be done byother countries.
The participants visited laboratories of Chinese
Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) andresearch base on Daxing District of Beijing. Theysaw positive effect for oligochitosan experiment on
strawberry and tomato in greenhouse. Then they
visited a biofertilizer company located in Tongzhou
District of Beijing and got an introduction of its
products including biofertilizer.

In order to promote environmental friendly
sustainable agriculture in Asia, FNCA Biofertilizer
Project aims to develop biofertilizers withradiation sterilization technology, using beneficalmicroorgamisms, which increase the yields of crops
while reducing the environmental burden ofexcessive use of chemical fertilizers.
At the first phase of this project from 2001 to 2006,
FNCA Biofertilize Manual was published, which
gives information and experiences of biofertilizer
use in Asian countries, including their effectiveness,
efficient production processes, storage and application
on different crops, as an important outcome.
At the second phase from 2007 to 2011, main
objectives
aredeveloping
multifunctional
biofertilizer having both function of plant growthpromoting and resistance against plant pathogens,and dissemination of radiation sterilization
method of carrier using 60Co to improve quality ofcarrier for biofertilizers.
From 2012, new stage of second phase was started
to enhance above 2 objectives and it is also focusedon synergy effect between biofertilizer andirradiated oligochitosan as a new theme.
FNCA 2012 Workshop on Bifertilizer Project washeld on November 6th - 9th in Beijng, China and 13
participants from 8 countries participated.

With
Oligochitosan

Without
Oligochitosan

Oligochitosan Experimental Greenhouse of CAAS

Participants of the Workshop

1Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer Project

Development of Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture in China
Fan Bingquan, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS)
We have done some research activities, first we

1.4 Isolation of herbicides-degrading strains

isolated

N-fixing,

Two herbicides-degrading fungi were obtained frommicrobe;herbicides polluted soils in Jilin. The strains aresecondly, we have done broth and pot experiments to

Trichoderma sp. C05 which degrade Chlorimuron-evaluate the abilities of P solubilization, N fixation.

ethyl and Penicillium sp. Cy01 which degrade

1. Isolation of high effective strains

acetochlor.

1.1

Three herbicides-degrading Bacteria were isolated

high effective P-solubilizing,

antagonistic

andherbicides-degrading

Isolation of P-sulubilizing microbe

Eight P-sulubilizing fungi were isolated from arablefrom polluted soils in Southern China. They aresoils in North China, they are Px1, P47, P41, P439,

Mycobacterium sp. H2, Mycobacterium sp F1 andPS6, 2GW-5, K91 and Psf-1. Six P-sulubilizing

Mycobacterium sp. F2.

Bacteria were isolated which are P21-3a, JP3-12,

2. Results of N-fixing and P-solubilizing microbe

H16-6, Y5-2, Rong1 and CC2d.

2.1

1.2

Isolation of N-fixing Bactria

Effect of P-solubilizing microbe on insoluble
phosphate solubilization

Eleven associated N-fixation bacteria were obtained

There are 11 treatments in the pot experimentfrom various soils. The strains are H29, H8, Jing5,

containing 10 strains Px1, P47, P41, P36, K91, P62,

G-N, GDN, K7, YM3, Xin2, Gl-1, New2 and S1.

P439, PS6, Rong1, CC2d and a control treatment

Strain identification will be done recently.

(CK). In broth assay, Strain Px1 demonstrated higher

1.3 Isolation of antagonistic microbe

efficiency to dissolve rock phosphate (RP). Strains ofSeven antagonistic Bacteria against soil-born diseases

Px1, P47, P41, P36, K91, P439, PS6, Rong1, CC2dwere isolated from soils in Northeast China. They arehave got a more than 10% of RP sulubilization rate.

Bacillus sp K4, Paenibacillus xylanexedens K2,

Only P62 strain have about 10% of RP sulubilization

Bacillus weihenstephanensis K5, Brevundimonas sp.

rate in liquid medium (Table 1).

K6, Brevundimonas sp. H7 Bacillus sp. K10 and
Tetrathiobacter sp. J5.
Table 1. Effect of 10 P-solubilizing strains on rock phosphate in liquid medium in 5 days

2

2.2

Effect of six P-solubilizing strains on corn

ATCC10084 fermentation btoth was used as control

biomass in pot experiment(CK).

There are 10 treatments in pot experiment, which are

Strain H29, H8, Jing5, G-N, GDN, K7 and YM3

CK (RP), Ba5, ATCC20851, Hi6, JP3-12, K91, P403,

increased white corn biomass significantly thanP21-3a, Pqu and 2GW-5. The result of showed that

control (CK). Strain H8, Jing5, GDN, K7 and YM3application of 9 strains improved crop growth andincreased red corn biomass significantly than control

increased(CK). Strain H29, H8. Jing5, G-N and GDN increased

cropbiomassinvermiculite

carrier

combined with Ca3(PO4)2 and rock phosphate,

wheat biomass significantly than control (CK).

separately. Strain P403 have a highest biomass of

3.

14.70 g/pot (fresh weight) and 1.56 g/pot(dry weight)

Effects of carrier irradiation on survival rate
of beneficial microbe

for .

Five kinds of carriers including peat, corn cobs, perlite,

Strain Hi6, JP3-12, K91 and P403 got a high corn

CMF and 1:1 corn cobs/perlite mixture were used inbiomass in Ca3(PO4)2 source that indicated these 4

the present study. 60Co gamma irradiation was done atstrain have a higher ability to solubilize Ca3(PO4)2.

doses of 50 kGy and at a dose rate of 15 Gy/min.

Strain K91, P403, Pqu and 2GW-5 increased corn

Autoclaving was done for 40 min at 121oC.

biomass significantly in rock phosphate, that indicated

The number of strain 1107 in the carriers wasthese 4 strain have a higher capacity to solubilize rockenumerated by plate count. Fig. 1 shows the survival

phosphate and provide more available phosphorousof A. niger strain 1107 in various carriers sterilized

than other strains(table 2).

using autoclaving or gamma-irradiation storage at 4oC.

2.3 Effect of high effective N-fixing Bactria on crop

Most of the carriers (except CMF) sterilized bybiomass

gamma-irradiation gave better survival rate ofSeven N-fixing Bactria were used to compare theinoculum during the initial 5 - 6 months shelf-life thaneffects of N fixation and yield-increasing in pot

those sterilized by autoclaving, while this benefit was

experiments. The 7 associated N-fixation bacteria are

not observed after 6 months.

H29, H8, Jing5, G-N, GDN, K7 and YM3, and sterile
Table 2. Table 2 Effect of P-solubilizing strains on corn biomass applied with insoluble phosphates in pot
experiment (g/pot).zhou city (kg/666.7m2)

3

Log CFU g-1 inoculant

Table 3. Crop biomass inoculated with different strains in pot (g/pot)

Fig.1. Survival of A. niger strain 1107 in various carriers sterilized using autoclaving or gamma-irradiation priorstorage at 4oC. Each point represents the mean of three replicates. Vertical bars represent ±1S.D.
4

Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer Project

Effect of Oligochitosan, Vitazyme, Biofertilizer on Growth and Yield of RiceDr. Iswandi Anas and Ms. Velicia Desyana Rakhmadina
National Nuclear Energy Agency and Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia
The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect

The dosage of inorganic fertilizer NPK was 200ppm

of oligochitosan, Vitazyme, biofertilizer Azozo andN, 100ppm P and 100 ppmK. Oligochitosan was

their combination on growth and yield of rice cultivar

applied at 4 week (20 ppm) and 8 weeks (30ppm)

Ciherang. Two kinds of oligochitosan were tested inafter transplanting and 1% Vitazyme was applied at 4

this experiment i.e.

and 8 weeks after transplanting. Root application of

prepared by
Agency).

prepared by FNCA Japan andbiofertilizer was applied at transplanting.

Batan (Indonesian National Atomic

Vitazyme is plant growthpromotingResults show that the number of tillers at the treatment

Azozo biofertilizer prepared by

NPK 50% was significantly lower than the number ofLaboratory of Soil Biotechnology IPB. The treatment

tillers at the treatment 100% NPK. This means that

tested were:application of(1) Inorganic fertilizer NPK 100%, (2) Inorganic

fulfill the NPK requirement by rice plant (Table 1).

fertilizer NPK 50%, (3) Inorganic fertilizer NPK 50%

However, addition 50% inorganic NPK fertilizer in+ Oligochitosan (Japan), (4) Inorganic fertilizer NPK

combination with application of oligochitosan, Vitazyme

50% + Biofertilizer Azozo, (5) Inorganic fertilizer

and biofertilizer increased the number of tillers (Table 1)

NPK 50% + Oligochitosan (japan) + Biofertilizer

and yield of rice significantly (Table 2). These means

Azozo,+

that oligochitosan, Vitazyme and biofertilizer inreased

Oligochitosan BATAN, and (7) Inorganic fertilizer

NPK uptake by rice plants with similar effect of

NPK 50% + Vitazyme. These treatments had four

application of 100% inorganic NPK fertilizer.

replicates. Rice seedlings were grown in pots

Conclusion

containging 10 kg of soil.

Oligochitosan, Vitazyme, and biofertilizer Azozo.

increased inorganic NPK fertilizer efficiecy.

substances and(6)

Inorganic

fertilizer

NPK

50%

inorganic fertilizer 50% NPK

did not

Table 1. Effect of Oligochitosan, Biofertilizer and Vitazyme on number of tillers per pot
Number of tillers
Treatments
2 WAT

4 WAT

6 WAT

8 WAT

. . . . . .... tillers/hill.... . . . . .
NPK 100%

4.25a

18.00a32.25a32.25aNPK 50%1.75b14.00a16.75a14.50c

NPK 50% + Oligochitosan (J)2.25b

14.75a26.00a22.50bc

NPK 50% + Biofertilizer (A)2.50b13.50a23.75a20.50bc

NPK 50% + Oligochitosan (J) + Biofertilizer (A)

2.00b

11.33a22.33a22.67bc

NPK 50% + Oligochitosan (B)2.00b13.00a21.75a21.00bc

NPK 50% + Vitazyme

3.00ab

17.25a30.75a28.00abWAT =weeks after transplanting (J-Japan; B =Batan)

5

Table 2. Effect of Oligochitosan, Biofertilizer and Vitazyme on Yield of Rice
Yield
g/pot

Treatments
NPK 100%

46.25aNPK 50%20.32b

NPK 50% + Oligochitosan (J)40.13aNPK 50% + Biofertilizer (A)37.50aNPK 50% + Oligochitosan (J) + Biofertilizer (A)36.43aNPK 50% + Oligochitosan (B)35.02aNPK 50% + Vitazyme

40.69aFigure 1. Effect of inorganic NPK fertilizer, Oligochitosan, Biofertilizer and Vitazyme on growth of rice plant6

Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer Project

Activities Supporting the Advancement of Malaysia’s Biofertilizer Industry
Phua Choo Kwai Hoe, Khairuddin Abdul Rahim, Ahmad Nazrul Abd Wahid
Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia)
There has been an increasing number of

one of its products, agriCare®ORGANIC-N.

small-scale farmers and even the establishedThe company produced about 40t of the productplantation industry in Malaysia that havein 2011, with a reportedly increasing demand

shown keen interest on biofertilizers anduntil the present. Carrier for production of

bioorganic fertilizers as their agricultural

MF-Biopellet, a bioorganic fertilizer productinputs. At the same time, there are manyfrom Nuclear Malaysia was irradiated at 35 toproducts claimed as “biofertilizers” in the

50 kGy for purpose of sterilization.

market. However, most of these products are

In 2011, Ministry of Science, Technology andfound to be only bioorganic fertilizers or organic

Innovation, Malaysia (MOSTI) funded a total of

fertilizers. Empty fruit bunches (EFB) – waste

RM 195,000.00 for Malaysian Nuclear Agency

products from the oil palm industry are thebiofertilizer

major materials for composting and producing“Quantification of improvement of phosphorusorganic fertilizers. Many of these producers

and nitrogen nutrition of vegetable crops fromhave made claims that their products arephosphatebiofertilizer products. Due to the market

rhizobacteria interaction using isotopic tracer

demands, the price of EFB has increased. Apart

technology(02-03-01-SF0051).” This two yearsof that, currently there are more research

project will be completed in year 2013. The

institutions

project

focusingonbiofertilizer

project

solubilizing

involved

with

the

bacteria

development

title

and

phosphatedevelopment. Thus, there seems to be ansolubilizing bacteria into various form of

increase on public acceptance of biofertilizers,

biofertilizer products such as pellet, liquid andorganic fertilizer or bioorganic fertilizers in theseed treatment that could enhance P and N

country.

uptake and create healthy rhizosphere andIn Malaysia, gamma irradiation has been used

increase crop productivity. Assessment of theby universities, research institutions andproducts was implemented through greenhousebioorganic fertilizer companies for substrates

and field trials for nutrient uptake studies

or

Agri

using 15N isotope and on synergistic interaction

Hi-Tech Sdn. Bhd. (MYAGRI) is one of

between phosphate solubilizing bacteria with

Malaysia’s

plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.

carrier sterilization.
biofertilizer

Malaysiancompanies

activelyutilizing the gamma irradiation facility of

Two isolates, namely AP2 and AP3, isolated

Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia),from compost samples were used in this project.

theirradiate

Isolate AP2 is a plant growth promoter andsubstrates in its bioproducts formulations. In

phosphate solubilizing bacteria and isolate AP3

2012, one thousand kilogram of vermiculite had

is a phosphate solubilizing bacteria. Both ofbeen irradiated using this facility. MYGRI

these isolates have been found to have theutilizes one nitrogen fixing bacterial inoculant

ability to solubilize potassium, too. With thatgenerated through R&D of Nuclear Malaysia in

there

MINTec-SINAGAMA,

to

7

is

an

added

value

to

these

multifunctional biofertilizer isolates.

with PEG showed enhancement of the growth

MF-BIOPELLET is a pellet form productand N uptake via N2 fixation.

containing isolates AP2 and AP3. “Natural

The above isolates were also formulated as

Farming”

wasliquidThisfertigation system in an effort to reduce usage

product was gamma sterilised at 50 kGy atof chemical fertilizers. A greenhouse trial was

MINTec-SINAGAMA, and used as a carier for

conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid

the biofertilizer inoculum. This product had

biofertilizers on tomato plants grown under abeen tested on tomato, chinese cabbage,

fertigation system. Result showed combination

spinach, as well as on green and white mustardof liquid biofertilizers could reduce the usage ofin greenhouse trials. Results showed thechemical fertilizers.

product enhanced the growth of the plants.

There are two ongoing greenhouse trials on rice

Field trial was also conducted in Cameronplants.

Highlands, Pahang, know for its extensive

effectiveness of liquid biofertilizers on nutrient

vegetable farms in Malaysia. Shelf life study

uptake,was conducted by storing these products at

Greenhouse trial II is to study effectiveness ofcomposting

EFB

materialdeveloped as a pellet-form product.

room temperatures (28 + 2

oC)

and low

temperatures (9 + 2 oC) for six months.

inoculants, and introduced

Greenhouseutilizing

biofertilizers

At the

with

trial

15N

I

is

isotope

irradiated

to
as

into

a

study
tracer.

oligochitosan(sample form Japan) on the growth of riceend of the storage period, products kept at low

plants.

temperatures showed more viable cells as

Field trial at MADA, Kedah started in Octobercompared

2012. Biofertilizers were tested on two field

to

the

products

atroomtemperatures.

plots of aerobic and non-aerobic rice, for theDevelopment of biofertilizer for use in seed

investigation of plant-soil-microbe interaction

treatments for okra seeds were carried out by

and assessment of N nutrient uptake efficiency

mixing isolate AP 2 and isolate AP 3 withusing 15N isotopic tracer.

adhesives.

Maximum germination rates andIn the future, biofertilizer development will

log of viable cells were observed when treatedfocus on improvement of biofertilizer inoculant

with polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG) mixed

andwith AP2 and AP3. In a greenhouse experiment,

biofertilizer

okra seeds treatment with isolate AP2 and AP3

bioproducts in greenhouse or field experiments.

investigating
andsynergistic

effects

oligochitosan

or

of

other

.

MF-BIOPELLET

Fertigation system using liquidbiofertilizer
8

Effects of biofertilizer and irradiatedoligochitosan on rice plant and nutrient
uptake study using 15N isotopic tracer ina greenhouse trial.

Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer ProjectIntroduction of Rhizobacterial Fertilizer
Delgermaa Bongosuren, Plant Science Agricultural Research Institute (PSARI)
Plant

promoting

reduces the input of fertilizers and increases

rhizobacteria (PGPR) arecrop yield. The Rhizobacterial fertilizer is low

freebacteria

cost and environment friendly product and can(Azospirillum, Azotobacter,be used to enhance all crops as well as soil

Azoarcus) commonly foundfertility.

in soils and association

At present, the 15-20 ton bio-fertilizer producedwithplants,annually under the laboratory conditions andincluding important agricultural crops such as

distributed to farmers in major crop production

wheat. There

provinces including Selenge, Bulgan, Uvs andRhizobacterial
Fertilizer

aregrowthliving

roots

some

at

bacteria

convertatmospheric nitrogen into soil and some

Tuv in over 10,000 ha.

bacteria help in solubilization of insoluble

The wheat grain yield increases by 25,3-49,4 %,phosphates and improve P uptake from soil.

under irrigated and 30% under rain fed

The institute has successfully launched its

conditions.

biofertilizer product under the trade name of

Rhizobacterial fertilizer has highest grain yield

Rhizobacterial fertilizer since 2001, whichof wheat.

Application

of

6

kg/ha

Commercialization of Rhizobacterial fertilizer/wheat yield/№

Total area/ha

Provinces

Yield addition

Yields
t/ha

t/ha

%

1

Selenge province
2002-2005

2,400

1.27

0.38-0.45

49.4

2

Bulgan province
2003-2009

4,000

1.62

0.42-0.7

35.2-58.3

3

Darkhan-Uul province
2005-2011

2,000

1.94

0.21

25.3

4

Uvs province
2003-2005

1,500

2.54

0.50

30.0

Without biofertilizer

Without biofertilizer

With biofertilizer

9

With biofertilizer

Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer Project
Determination of Microbial Population of Bio NTM Carrier
and Storage Through Gamma Irradiation Sterilization
Julieta A. Anarna, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

Rationaleensure maintenance and/or improve the average

UPLB through National Institute of Molecular Biology

population of the inoculant strains while in storage.

and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), has provided its
resources in the development of alternative fertilizer

Methodology

technologies that enhance and sustain crop production.

Bio N inoculants and concentrates are being mass

BIOTECH has developed microbial-based fertilizers

produced at BIOTECH and being reconstituted in thethat are safe to use and which have suggested promise

different Bio N Mixing Plant. Bio N carriers are

in improving the socio-economic benefits of intended

composed of soil and charcoal. Production requiredclients. One of the developed microbial technologies

large volume of soil and charcoal. The product has

is the Bio N technology.

two components namely, the solid carrier (soil +The microorganism which was isolated from the roots

charcoal) and the bacteria. The solid component isof the local grass talahib (Saccharumspontaneum L.),

finely pulverized, mixed and steam sterilized for threeand further developed into an effective inoculant fordays at 1 hour each day. (Figure 1).

rice and corn has been packaged and registered under

One hundred sixty five gram packs of Bio N carrier

the brand name, Bio N. Bio N is a microbial inoculant(composed of soil and charcoal) were exposed toin powder form that contains two species ofionizing radiation at doses 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kilo

nitrogen-fixing bacteria which have been recognized

Gray (kGy) respectively. Irradiation process wasby farmer users to improve the yield of rice and corn

carried out at the 60Co irradiation facility of the PNRI.

as well as reduce the inorganic fertilizer application

Irradiated samples were analyzed for the presence offor these crops. The study aims the development of

viable cells/spores of aerobic bacteria (Total Platebetter carriers for concentrates (source of the bacteria

Count).The colony forming units per gram (CFUs/g)

distributed to the Mixing Plants) and regular Bio N

of the samples were also determined.

(ready-to-use form of the biofertilizer) using gamma
irradiation sterilization of carrier. It also aims to

Fig. 1 Preparation for sterilization of Bio N carrier using steam sterilizer
10

Determination of irradiation sterilization dose of
Bio N

TM

Bio N was undertaken by The Philippine Nuclear

carrier

Research Institute (PNRI) under its collaborative

The Bio N carrier composed of soil and charcoal areframework with the Japanese government sponsoredthe major materials in production. The characteristic

by FNCA and collaboration with BIOTECH-UPLB.

of the carrier is very essential to keep theThrough this collaboration sterilization of Bio N

microorganisms for longer life span and deliver to thecarrier through gamma irradiation was realized. Study

end users with good quality. This study was carried

was conducted to determine the survival and growth

out to improve the quality of Bio N by sterilizing itsof Bio N organisms (Table 2). In the conventional

substrate (soil and charcoal) using gamma irradiation

sterilization process of Bio N the lifespan of theTable 1 shows the results of microbial count on Bio N

product is only six months while in the gamma

carrier subjected to different doses of irradiation. The

irradiation the lifespan is ten months.

bacterial population and mold count were high on

Comparative analysis of irradiation and heat

non-irradiated carrier (0kGy). On the other hand,autoclave sterilization

samples irradiated at 10kGy had a mold count of <Table 2 shows the efficiency of using gamma

850. Results obtained from samples of irradiatedirradiation technique compared to autoclave treatment.

carrier at 20, 30, 40 and kGy were found to be sterile.

In gamma irradiation technique sterilization of carrier

From this result, the irradiation sterilization dose ofis sixteen thousand packets per week while in heat

Bio N carrier was set at 20kGy.

autoclave sterilization of carrier is five thousand

Survival and Growth of Bio N organisms inpackets. The texture of carrier is dry and therefore

irradiated carrier

ready to use. On the contrary the cost of irradiated

The carrier material is an important factor in Bio N

carrier is higher than with the heat treatment. Gamma

production, since this is where microorganisms growirradiation technique is more efficient in the large

and multiply. The sterile carrier improves the quality

scale production of Bio N carrier.

of the product and survival of the microorganisms. In

Concluding Remarks

the production of Bio N carrier were sterilized byGamma irradiation has an important role to improveautoclaving and this is the limiting factor for large

the quality of Bio N carrier and prolong the lifespan ofscale production.

microorganism. The use of gamma irradiation

A research project on The Use of Nuclear Techniques

sterilization is very efficient and practical especially inon the Assessment and Improvement of Biofertilizer

large scale production.

Table 1. Microbial count of Bio N carrier in different doses of irradiation

SampleBacterial count(CFU/g)Yeast Count(CFU/g)Mold Count
CFU/g)

Non-irradiated1.96 x 10 6<1

6.7 x 103

10 kGy

<1

<1

< 850

20 kGy<1<1<1

30 kGy<1<1<1

40 kGy<1<1<1

50 kGy

<1

<1

<1

11

Table 2. Survival and Growth of Bio N organisms
in irradiated carrier
Incubation period(month)Table 3. Comparison of using gamma irradiation
technique with heat autoclave method forsterilization of carrier (BIOTECH-UPLB)

Cell number per gram1

1 X 1082

1 X 1083

1X 1084

7

1 X 105

2 X 1076

7

1 X 107

1.8X 1068

2.5 X 1069

6.6 X 10610

7.3 X 106

Particulars

IrradiatedCarrier

Heat
Autoclave
Carrier

Efficiency

16,000 packets
per week

5,000 per week

Texture of thecarrierDry and readyto use

Wet andlaborious

Cost per packet

PhP 2.70

PhP 1.03

Introduction of Bio N Carrier Sterilization
Using Gamma Irradiation at PNRI 2012
Determination of irradiation sterilization dose of

the safe and peaceful applications of nuclear science

Bio N carrier

and technology in the Philippines.

The characteristic of the carrier is very essential to

2. Consultation with the PNRI staff on the proper

keep the microorganisms for longer life span andmaterials and positioning of the carrier for each box.

deliver to the end users with good quality. This study

The size of the box is 25 x 36 x 26 comprising of 120

was carried out to improve the quality of Bio N bypackets of Bio N carrier equivalent to 19.8 kg per box.

sterilizing its substrate (soil and charcoal) using

3. A total of 2 tons of Bio N carrier was transported to

gamma irradiation.

PNRI for gamma irradiation for one load.

Preparation of Bio N Carrier for Gamma

4. The dosage used in this sterilization was at 20kGy

Irradiation

unlike the previous recommendation which was

1. Coordination and scheduling with the Philippine

30kGy on lower sterilization dose was conducted

Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) regarding gamma

since the initial process in the preparation of thesterilization of carriers since they are the sole agency

carrier undergone solar and oven drying that canof the government mandated to advance and regulate

kill/lessen the microorganisms in the soil

Samples of Bio N carrier
submitted to PNRI for gamma
irradiation

Bio N boxes already subjected to gamma irradiation

12

Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer Project

Biofertilizer Application in Thailand
Phatchayaphon Meunchang and Achara Nuntagit, Department of Agriculture (DOA)
In 2012, we succeed to developed 4 types ofIntegrated use of oligochitsan and PGPR

biofertilizer. We found the specific indigenous

biofertilizer were searched using several rice

isolates of rhizobium for 50 species of leguminous

cultivers in pot experiment. The oligochitsan

plants.

The rhizobium biofertilizer for soybean

application without fertilization did not increase

peanutandinheight of the two rice varieties, CP304 hybridcommercial scale for 30 years. PGPR biofertilizer

and Jusmine 105 wild type. Whereas, in same

were developed for use in maize, rice, sugar canecondition using of PGPR II for rice increased

and cassava production. PGPR biofertilizer apply

height of rice variety CP304 at 15% and Jusmine

reduced chemical fertilizer at approximately 25%

105 at 20%. Use of irradiated oligochitsan

from recommendation rate. At present, we arewithout fertilization increased tiller number ofdeveloping novel mutant strains of Azospirillum,

the rice varieties, CP304 hybrid and Jusmine 105

Azotobacter and Beijerinckia by means of mutation

wild type, at 26 and 20% respectively. Whereas,

breeding using E beam irradiation. We selected 3

PGPR increased tiller number of the ricestrains of each genus. They showed increase ofvarieties CP304 and Jusmine105, at 170 and 75%,

nitrogen fixation activity at 25% rather than parent

respectively.

strains by ARA. Mycorrhizal biofertilizer produced

oligochitosan promotes tiller number of rice.

to application within vegetables, fruits, and rubber. It

This phenomenum is very similar to PGPR II

enhances

green

gram

were

produced

These

results

indicatedthatnutrients

absorptionbyunder the lower fertilization condition. The

filamentous.

Utilizationofresponse to oligochitosan and PGPR II in the

mycorrhizal biofertilizer decreases crop production

hybrid variety was higher than that of wild type.

water

developing

fungi

and

costs at 25%. Today, it is very popular use in rubber
and fruit productions. We are now developing novel
biofertilizer for chili, asparagus and oil palm.

(a)

(b)

(c)

Fig 1 Nitrogenase activity tested for selected novel mutant strains by e-beam (a)Integrate used of irradiation Oligochitosan and PGPR biofertilizer were searched in rice (b)The root of rice used irradiation Oligochitosan and PGPR biofertilizer (c)13Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Biofertilizer Project

Summary of Vietnam Country Report in 2012
Pham Van Toan, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)
1. Biofertilzer development

2. Experiments of synergy effect between

Sandy soil is poor in organic matter, nutrition

biofertilizer and irradiated oligochitosanelements and have low moisture. Agricultural

Irradiated oligochitosan from Japan is added

production in sandy soil is difficult and unstable.

to broth medium for Azotobacter, Bacillus,

Biofertilizer will improve the agricultural production

streptomyces and yeast with concentration of

in sandy soil. 27 microbial strains includes

1 to 5 ppm. The effect of oligochitosan on

N-fixing,

Cilicatesolubilizing

growth of tested microbes in the broth ispolysacharide

producingevaluated by plate count method. The results

microbes are selected for biofertilizer production

showed no effect of oligochitosan on growth ofused in sandy soil. Technology for microbial

tested microbes in all concentration from 1 toinoculants applied for sandy soil are developed. It

5 ppm.

contained

SynergyP-solubilizing,

microorganism

andBradyrhizobium

megaterium,

Paenibacillus

japonicum,

Bacillus

castaneae

effectofoligochitosan

andbiofertilizer on growth of cabbage are tested

andLipomyces starkeyi with the density of more thanin

108 CFU/gram.

oligochitosan

Green house and field experiments

the

green

house.

andIt

showed,biofertilizer

have

that
the

are conducted to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer

synergy effect on growth and yield of cabbage.

on soil fertility, growth and yield of peanut andApplication of oligochitosan and biofertilizer

cashew. The results showed that biofertilizer andcan save 50% recommended NPK rate andcover crops improved the soil moisture, increase theincrease the cabbage yield of 27,81% todensity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil,

control applied 100 % recommended NPK

increased yield component and yield of peanut andrate.

cashew from 17.02% to 24.36%. Biofertilizer bringmore profit for farmers.

Field experiments on the effect of biofertilizer on
peanut growing in sand soil

Experiment on effect of oligochitosan on cabbage

14