Dr. Jagadeesh B. Henjarappa, Managing Director, Achyutha Innovations, Tumkur, Karnataka, talks about photosynthetic stimulator technology and implication in enhancing yield and quality in pomegranate crop.
We have developed a technology called Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology to increase yield and disease resistance in pomegranate crops, there by improving social and economical status of the farmers. The main microorganism that causes diseases pomegranate plants are Xanthomonas, phytophthora, and many more. We combine the research based technology and package and practices recommended by ICAR so that the farmers benefit by using this technology. Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology mainly deals with photosynthates concentrating on Calvin cycle and photophosphorylation relations. My formulas can increase the activity of enzymes, mainly Calvin cycle, ribulose bisphosphate and carboxylation enzymes which improves to capture more atmospheric CO2 and convert it into sugar. This in turn helps the plants to increase both biomass and quality. For it to work, it needs NADPH and ATP which are biochemical currencies from protoplasm relations. We have developed one more formulation called Photon Max to stimulate Photophosphorylation. It triggers the protein complexes even in dim light so that the plant can efficiently produce NADPH and ATP and to fix CO2. Water is the media without which no biochemical reaction takes place, hence adequate watering is must in pomegranate crop to get best quality pomegranate fruits.
In pomegranate cultivation, after second harvest, many farmers are faceing the problem with respect to flower formation. They get more male flowers than hermaphrodite or functional male flowers which is because they do not considering nourishing the plants after harvest. I suggest that immediately after harvest, they have to give sufficient nourishment so that the energy drained in the plant has to be replenished. By using our technology immediately after fruit harvest, plants can regain the strength and accumulate the photosynthates in the form of sugar and other molecules. Even if the farmers go for pruning, we have found them using excessive Ethrel 2 ml per one litre in a spray that causes problems to the plant system. when they use lower amounts, then it can help in uniform flowering. Ethrel is also called Senescence hormone as it is responsible for detachment of leaves and reduction in cell wall thickness. One has to use only the minimum quantity for defoliating so that the diseased leaves are removed. Watering is important for getting proper functional flowers to convert into fruits. Plants develop die back symptoms and anthracnose. One can minimise the incident of blight and anthracnose and the impact of Ethrel. We have also developed called flower booster (flower bud initiator) to get more functional flowers which has to be applied on the 8th day from Ethrel spraying. We suggest to the farmers not to use more than 0.5 ml per litre with other additives for formation of better flowers.
In pomegranates, the roots help to produce more tertiary roots which absorb the plant nutrients from the soil, water, and minerals. When we establish the functional roots, we can alter the functionality of leaves and activating Cavin cycle. The technology has to be implemented during the vegetative growth of leaves and leaf differentiation. Initial 3 months are crucial. We have 3 sprays of RuBis CO-ACT, Photon Max, and one Magic Root drenching along with zinc EDTA. This makes the complete nutrients for proper flowering and produce more effective and functional leaves. Usually the leaves have parrot green colour.
With Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, we can enhance the productivity and quality and shorten the development period from 6 months. It realises increased photosynthetic efficiency to produce and capture atmospheric CO2 to be converted into sugar to reach the fruits easily. We do this by stimulating the root hairs, make biosynthetic pathways for more efficient way for leaves to capture more CO2, and to ensure that the light that falls on leaves is used by the plant to convert into food. Our technology makes the reeds thick and not easily get damaged by insects or pests. The Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology works well when farmers use drip irrigation or regulated pressure drip water application. It is crucial to spray fungicide on the day by evening itself, and fungicides such as Bavistin or COC are the best. Our SR 85 0.5 ml per one litre of water and COC helps in mobilising the molecules across the cubicle. Water stoppage should not exceed 28 days. Immediately after harvest, we should provide the nutrients required to rejuvenate the plants. Then we can stress it. we can use neem oil, monoammonium phosphate 8 gm per litre of water, and 8.5 gram per litre of monopotassium phosphate. This will help in more shoots. We can do the drenching with Magic root. Another molecule that supports photosynthesis is Kreeya to activate the cell cycle activity and to reduce flower drop. Once the flower is pollinated it will not fall. Once in a harvest, we have to apply these.
To improve the disease resistance and quality one has to increase the photosynthates by using Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology as the main diseases that spread in pomegranates are thrips, aphids, and jassids apart from shoot borers. They have to be controlled at the earliest before the plants get damaged. My suggestion is to apply 1.5 kg of carbon powder for the plant to enhance the nutrients, water retention, and suppress the insects. Helpful microbes like Pseudomonas and Trichoderma can be used. Application of fungicide should be done before monsoon starts and in the evening to help the chemicals enter the leaves through diffusion. By using Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, farmers can see an increase in yield per plant in the first harvest itself.
Can you share any real world examples of case studies of pomegranate growers who have successfully used this technology? What are the current challenges and limitations in pomegranate crop production, particularly in terms of yield and fruit quality?
A farmer grew his crops in an area from where eucalyptus plantation was removed. He lost 200 crops immediately as the crop was affected by blight. After using our Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, he has not faced any problem with respect to flower setting. He could retain the crop and get a better quality, quantity, and good weight of the fruits. During my visit to farmers’ field, I observed that they are not educated and do not have enough knowledge. They are unable to diagnose the root formation, and by using things that others suggested, he has made the land barren and not supporting the plant system. When there are knowledgeable people with good idea about biochemistry, physiology, and soil science, the problem gets solved easily than following people who do not have knowledge about plants and try to sell their product.
What specific benefits can pomegranate growers expect from Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in terms of yield improvement? Are there any specific environmental and climatic conditions that influence the effectiveness of Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in pomegranate cultivation?
When it comes to yield improvement, most of the pomegranate farmers spray things in higher quantities which does not give the required effect. The chemicals impact the health of the plant, and by third harvest the plants are dry. So now farmers are going for high density cultivation. If something happens in one place, it can spread to the other plants fast. By following Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, people can work on the distance between plants and rows, water irrigation, and go up to 12 harvests compared to the regular 3. Farmers can also minimise the die back by using Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, making the plants stronger and get more photosynthates for defence, fight against pathogens, give good branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. In summer when you apply Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, your yield increases by 80%, and in winter it does not work because the enzymes work better in warmer conditions. But with Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, even if the temperature goes up to 42 degree centigrade, there will not be any problem as the processes inside the plant system are channelled properly. If carbon fixation is not done properly by Cavin cycle, more energy is produced which if not used will affect the leaves. What it establishes is the understanding between water requirement, solar radiation, and Cavin cycle. Once it is established, the effects are more.
What is the cost involved in implementing this technique, and how does it compare to traditional farming methods? Are there any potential risks or challenges associated with Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in pomegranate cultivation?
The cost depends on the crop type and productivity. If you are getting something like 8 tons per acre, then your cost for Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology is around Rs. 22 thousand, but if the same plant is giving you 12 tons, then since the dosage is based on the foliate, we recommend the Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology. As the yield goes up, there is a marginal increase in the price. However, the cost per acre will be around Rs. 22 to 28 thousand. No. When it comes to quality, as analysed in the laboratory, it shows almost equally grown organic. So there is no residual insecticide or fungicide as the usage is reduced to a large extent. When it comes to overall cost effect also, you have almost 25% less cost when compared to normal pomegranate cultivation practice.
Can you provide guidance on application process and timing for using these stimulators in pomegranate orchards? How long does it typically take to get noticeable result in terms of yield and quality after using the technology? Any research and development related to Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in pomegranate cultivation?
Yes. We provide both services and product. We suggest that initially the farmers have to contact us when they get the final harvest from where to start. Multiple things are there to practise during the cultivation. If something goes wrong in the initial steps the crops may not grow proper. So we get details of what they followed in the past two years, positives and negatives they faced. The yield is decided for them based on area and soil specific schedule. It is estimated based on the flower setting. Once you have flower setting properly most of the farmers retail these flowers. By applying the technology, it takes 2 to 3 months to see the effect. In India or globally it is not there. But in USA there is a team who work on a similar project for black gram and tobacco. They use a different pathway called Gluconate pathway, the yield increases by 15%, but here the increment is almost 35%.
What training and support are available for farmers who want to adopt this technology? Any best practices for integrating Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology into existing pomegranate farming method?
The farmers have to be open to us fully as to what they use, what issues they face etc, but we find that the major issues are because they do not water the plant or give nutrients after harvest. With Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, we can revive the plant within 3 months to get proper flower setting. The farmers are taught these in their field itself. The standard practice is designed by ICAR, New Delhi. We have used their schedule and Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology for the farmers to follow normally. They will not see any change except extra price.
Can you share any information on the potential economic impact of adopting this technology including ROI and market advantages?
In Karnataka, the price of pomegranate was less because the farmers used lot of chemical sprays and pesticides. They could not export to Middle East. Now the person who is using our technology is able to sell his produce at Rs. 80 per kg while the market price is Rs. 35 per kg. When you improve the quality and reduce usage of insecticide and pesticide, it adds a lot to ROI. Farmers can get almost 4 times what they invest in purchasing the Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology products.
We have developed a technology called Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology to increase yield and disease resistance in pomegranate crops, there by improving social and economical status of the farmers. The main microorganism that causes diseases pomegranate plants are Xanthomonas, phytophthora, and many more. We combine the research based technology and package and practices recommended by ICAR so that the farmers benefit by using this technology. Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology mainly deals with photosynthates concentrating on Calvin cycle and photophosphorylation relations. My formulas can increase the activity of enzymes, mainly Calvin cycle, ribulose bisphosphate and carboxylation enzymes which improves to capture more atmospheric CO2 and convert it into sugar. This in turn helps the plants to increase both biomass and quality. For it to work, it needs NADPH and ATP which are biochemical currencies from protoplasm relations. We have developed one more formulation called Photon Max to stimulate Photophosphorylation. It triggers the protein complexes even in dim light so that the plant can efficiently produce NADPH and ATP and to fix CO2. Water is the media without which no biochemical reaction takes place, hence adequate watering is must in pomegranate crop to get best quality pomegranate fruits.
In pomegranate cultivation, after second harvest, many farmers are faceing the problem with respect to flower formation. They get more male flowers than hermaphrodite or functional male flowers which is because they do not considering nourishing the plants after harvest. I suggest that immediately after harvest, they have to give sufficient nourishment so that the energy drained in the plant has to be replenished. By using our technology immediately after fruit harvest, plants can regain the strength and accumulate the photosynthates in the form of sugar and other molecules. Even if the farmers go for pruning, we have found them using excessive Ethrel 2 ml per one litre in a spray that causes problems to the plant system. when they use lower amounts, then it can help in uniform flowering. Ethrel is also called Senescence hormone as it is responsible for detachment of leaves and reduction in cell wall thickness. One has to use only the minimum quantity for defoliating so that the diseased leaves are removed. Watering is important for getting proper functional flowers to convert into fruits. Plants develop die back symptoms and anthracnose. One can minimise the incident of blight and anthracnose and the impact of Ethrel. We have also developed called flower booster (flower bud initiator) to get more functional flowers which has to be applied on the 8th day from Ethrel spraying. We suggest to the farmers not to use more than 0.5 ml per litre with other additives for formation of better flowers.
In pomegranates, the roots help to produce more tertiary roots which absorb the plant nutrients from the soil, water, and minerals. When we establish the functional roots, we can alter the functionality of leaves and activating Cavin cycle. The technology has to be implemented during the vegetative growth of leaves and leaf differentiation. Initial 3 months are crucial. We have 3 sprays of RuBis CO-ACT, Photon Max, and one Magic Root drenching along with zinc EDTA. This makes the complete nutrients for proper flowering and produce more effective and functional leaves. Usually the leaves have parrot green colour.
With Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, we can enhance the productivity and quality and shorten the development period from 6 months. It realises increased photosynthetic efficiency to produce and capture atmospheric CO2 to be converted into sugar to reach the fruits easily. We do this by stimulating the root hairs, make biosynthetic pathways for more efficient way for leaves to capture more CO2, and to ensure that the light that falls on leaves is used by the plant to convert into food. Our technology makes the reeds thick and not easily get damaged by insects or pests. The Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology works well when farmers use drip irrigation or regulated pressure drip water application. It is crucial to spray fungicide on the day by evening itself, and fungicides such as Bavistin or COC are the best. Our SR 85 0.5 ml per one litre of water and COC helps in mobilising the molecules across the cubicle. Water stoppage should not exceed 28 days. Immediately after harvest, we should provide the nutrients required to rejuvenate the plants. Then we can stress it. we can use neem oil, monoammonium phosphate 8 gm per litre of water, and 8.5 gram per litre of monopotassium phosphate. This will help in more shoots. We can do the drenching with Magic root. Another molecule that supports photosynthesis is Kreeya to activate the cell cycle activity and to reduce flower drop. Once the flower is pollinated it will not fall. Once in a harvest, we have to apply these.
To improve the disease resistance and quality one has to increase the photosynthates by using Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology as the main diseases that spread in pomegranates are thrips, aphids, and jassids apart from shoot borers. They have to be controlled at the earliest before the plants get damaged. My suggestion is to apply 1.5 kg of carbon powder for the plant to enhance the nutrients, water retention, and suppress the insects. Helpful microbes like Pseudomonas and Trichoderma can be used. Application of fungicide should be done before monsoon starts and in the evening to help the chemicals enter the leaves through diffusion. By using Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, farmers can see an increase in yield per plant in the first harvest itself.
Can you share any real world examples of case studies of pomegranate growers who have successfully used this technology? What are the current challenges and limitations in pomegranate crop production, particularly in terms of yield and fruit quality?
A farmer grew his crops in an area from where eucalyptus plantation was removed. He lost 200 crops immediately as the crop was affected by blight. After using our Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, he has not faced any problem with respect to flower setting. He could retain the crop and get a better quality, quantity, and good weight of the fruits. During my visit to farmers’ field, I observed that they are not educated and do not have enough knowledge. They are unable to diagnose the root formation, and by using things that others suggested, he has made the land barren and not supporting the plant system. When there are knowledgeable people with good idea about biochemistry, physiology, and soil science, the problem gets solved easily than following people who do not have knowledge about plants and try to sell their product.
What specific benefits can pomegranate growers expect from Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in terms of yield improvement? Are there any specific environmental and climatic conditions that influence the effectiveness of Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in pomegranate cultivation?
When it comes to yield improvement, most of the pomegranate farmers spray things in higher quantities which does not give the required effect. The chemicals impact the health of the plant, and by third harvest the plants are dry. So now farmers are going for high density cultivation. If something happens in one place, it can spread to the other plants fast. By following Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, people can work on the distance between plants and rows, water irrigation, and go up to 12 harvests compared to the regular 3. Farmers can also minimise the die back by using Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, making the plants stronger and get more photosynthates for defence, fight against pathogens, give good branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. In summer when you apply Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, your yield increases by 80%, and in winter it does not work because the enzymes work better in warmer conditions. But with Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, even if the temperature goes up to 42 degree centigrade, there will not be any problem as the processes inside the plant system are channelled properly. If carbon fixation is not done properly by Cavin cycle, more energy is produced which if not used will affect the leaves. What it establishes is the understanding between water requirement, solar radiation, and Cavin cycle. Once it is established, the effects are more.
What is the cost involved in implementing this technique, and how does it compare to traditional farming methods? Are there any potential risks or challenges associated with Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in pomegranate cultivation?
The cost depends on the crop type and productivity. If you are getting something like 8 tons per acre, then your cost for Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology is around Rs. 22 thousand, but if the same plant is giving you 12 tons, then since the dosage is based on the foliate, we recommend the Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology. As the yield goes up, there is a marginal increase in the price. However, the cost per acre will be around Rs. 22 to 28 thousand. No. When it comes to quality, as analysed in the laboratory, it shows almost equally grown organic. So there is no residual insecticide or fungicide as the usage is reduced to a large extent. When it comes to overall cost effect also, you have almost 25% less cost when compared to normal pomegranate cultivation practice.
Can you provide guidance on application process and timing for using these stimulators in pomegranate orchards? How long does it typically take to get noticeable result in terms of yield and quality after using the technology? Any research and development related to Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology in pomegranate cultivation?
Yes. We provide both services and product. We suggest that initially the farmers have to contact us when they get the final harvest from where to start. Multiple things are there to practise during the cultivation. If something goes wrong in the initial steps the crops may not grow proper. So we get details of what they followed in the past two years, positives and negatives they faced. The yield is decided for them based on area and soil specific schedule. It is estimated based on the flower setting. Once you have flower setting properly most of the farmers retail these flowers. By applying the technology, it takes 2 to 3 months to see the effect. In India or globally it is not there. But in USA there is a team who work on a similar project for black gram and tobacco. They use a different pathway called Gluconate pathway, the yield increases by 15%, but here the increment is almost 35%.
What training and support are available for farmers who want to adopt this technology? Any best practices for integrating Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology into existing pomegranate farming method?
The farmers have to be open to us fully as to what they use, what issues they face etc, but we find that the major issues are because they do not water the plant or give nutrients after harvest. With Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology, we can revive the plant within 3 months to get proper flower setting. The farmers are taught these in their field itself. The standard practice is designed by ICAR, New Delhi. We have used their schedule and Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology for the farmers to follow normally. They will not see any change except extra price.
Can you share any information on the potential economic impact of adopting this technology including ROI and market advantages?
In Karnataka, the price of pomegranate was less because the farmers used lot of chemical sprays and pesticides. They could not export to Middle East. Now the person who is using our technology is able to sell his produce at Rs. 80 per kg while the market price is Rs. 35 per kg. When you improve the quality and reduce usage of insecticide and pesticide, it adds a lot to ROI. Farmers can get almost 4 times what they invest in purchasing the Photosynthetic Stimulator Technology products.