Bio Capsules- Pseudomonas

Plant growth–promoting Pseudomonas species enhance plant development through both 
direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct effects include the production of phytohormones
 and improved nutrient availability, while indirect effects involve suppression of 
soil-borne pathogens through siderophore production, antibiotics, induced systemic resistance, 
and competitive exclusion.
Pseudomonas spp. are widely distributed across diverse ecological niches and are recognized as model 
organisms for plant growth promotion. Their extensive genetic and metabolic diversity enables them to 
perform multiple ecological functions in the soil environment. Due to their versatility, this genus has 
become one of the most commercially utilized beneficial microbes in agriculture. However, the full potential
 of various Pseudomonas species remains underexplored, highlighting the need for greater focus in sustainable 
farming systems.
The bio-capsule has been jointly developed by ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR),
 Bangalore, and ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, for farmer benefit. The effective 
bioagent strain was identified by NBAIR and subsequently formulated into capsule form using IISR’s patented encapsulation technology.
This bioformulation contains a highly efficient plant growth–promoting and abiotic stress-tolerant biocontrol 
agent. The bacterial strain demonstrates resilience under extreme conditions, including high temperatures up 
to 50°C, salinity levels of 1.5 M NaCl, and drought stress up to –10.28 MPa. It produces several plant-beneficial
 enzymes such as phosphatases, proteases, chitinase, cellulase, and ACC deaminase, along with secondary 
metabolites like hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which contribute to pest and disease suppression.
Field studies indicate that the strain effectively controls Thrips and inhibits major soil-borne pathogens 
including Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium oxysporum. It also produces proline, helping 
plants maintain stability under stress conditions. Additionally, the bacterium exhibits strong rhizosphere 
competence, establishing well in soil populations (up to log 8.7 CFU/g), and performs effectively under saline 
and water-limited environments.
Each bio-capsule of Pseudomonas fluorescens (1 gram) contains approximately 100 billion colony-forming units 
(CFU). One capsule can be mixed with 100 liters of water and applied to the soil. The encapsulation technology 
ensures precise microbial delivery, cost-effective production, ease of handling and storage, extended shelf life,
 and stability at room temperature.

Benefits / Utility
Pseudomonas fluorescens is a well-established plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR). The strain (NBAIR PFD
WD) has demonstrated strong plant growth promotion along with tolerance to abiotic stresses. It produces antimicrobial
 compounds such as DAPG, making it effective against major fungal pathogens. This formulation is suitable for pest and 
disease management in crops like pulses, rice, legumes, and vegetables, especially under rainfed and stress-prone 
conditions.
Toxicological Data
Toxicological evaluations for both the primary culture and wettable powder formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens 
(NBAIR PFDWD) have been conducted in accordance with CIBRC guidelines.