Nirog Bio Fungicide - Trichoderma Viride 1.5% WP by Insecticides India Ltd for Soil-Borne Disease Control

Nirog is a premium biological fungicide from Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), formulated with Trichoderma viride 1.5% WP using the elite IIHR-TV-5 strain (ICAR approved). Unlike chemical fungicides that can harm soil life, Nirog works like a probiotic for your soil — introducing a beneficial fungus that naturally fights harmful soil-borne pathogens while improving root health and nutrient availability.

This bio-fungicide is designed to control serious soil-borne diseases such as Fusarium Wilt, Root Rot, Damping-off, and Rhizome Rot in a wide range of crops including pulses (gram, arhar/tur), vegetables (tomato, brinjal, chilli), cash crops (cotton, ginger, turmeric), and cereals (rice). Nirog is ideal for farmers practicing organic farming, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), or growing export-quality crops that require zero chemical residues.

The product comes as a Wettable Powder (WP) formulation and carries a Green Triangle toxicity label, confirming it is safe and non-toxic for users, animals, and the environment. With a zero-day Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI), you can harvest your crop immediately after application without any waiting period.

Key Benefits

• Natural disease control: Effectively manages soil-borne diseases like wilt, root rot, and damping-off without using harsh chemicals.
• Zero residue, zero waiting: 0-day PHI means you can harvest immediately after application — ideal for export crops like Basmati rice, grapes, and chillies.
• Soil health booster: Improves beneficial microbial activity in the soil and helps decompose organic matter into useful compost.
• Root growth promoter: Helps crops develop stronger, deeper root systems for better water and nutrient absorption.
• Stress tolerance: Boosts the plant's natural immunity (Induced Systemic Resistance) to help crops withstand drought and other environmental stress.
• Organic farming compatible: 100% biological product, suitable for organic farming and IPM programs.
• Safe for users and environment: Green Triangle toxicity label — minimal risk to farmers, beneficial insects, and non-target organisms.

How It Works

Nirog uses a smart "Search and Destroy" biological mechanism to protect your crops. The Trichoderma viride fungus in Nirog employs three powerful strategies to eliminate disease-causing pathogens:

1. Mycoparasitism (The Hunter Strategy): The Trichoderma fungus detects harmful fungi like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia in the soil, wraps around them, and releases special enzymes that break down the pathogen's cell walls. In simple terms, it hunts and consumes the disease-causing fungus.

2. Nutrient Starvation (Competition): Trichoderma viride grows much faster than harmful fungi. It quickly colonizes the root zone and locks up essential nutrients like iron, effectively starving the pathogens so they cannot grow or multiply.

3. Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) / Antibiosis: Nirog creates a protective bio-film around the roots and releases natural antibiotics that prevent diseases from entering the plant. It also signals the plant to boost its own immune system, making the crop stronger against future disease attacks and environmental stress.

The result is a healthy root zone where pathogens cannot survive, allowing your crops to absorb more nutrients and produce higher yields.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Nirog (Tractor Brand - IIL)
Technical Name	Trichoderma viride 1.5% WP
Strain Code	IIHR-TV-5 (ICAR Approved)
CFU Count	2 × 10⁶ CFU/g (minimum)
Chemical Group	Biological Fungicide (Antagonist)
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
Mode of Action	Mycoparasitism, Competition, Antibiosis, ISR
Toxicity Label	Green Triangle (Safe/Non-Toxic)
Packaging Size	1 kg (HDPE Bag)
Country of Origin	Made in India

Recommended Dosage & Application

The Golden Rule: For best results, use the Incubation Method (mixing with manure) — it gives 10x better results than direct application.

Application Method	Dose / Acre	Preparation / Mixing	Seed / Nursery Dose	PHI (Days)
Soil Application (Recommended)	1 - 2 kg	Mix with 100 kg FYM, moisten, cover, keep in shade for 3-4 days	-	0
Seed Treatment	-	Make a slurry with water + jaggery; coat seeds uniformly	8 - 10 g per kg seed	0
Nursery / Root Dip	-	Dip roots in solution for 15 minutes before transplanting	10 g per litre water	0
Drenching	500 g per nursery bed	Mix in water and drench soil around stem base	10 g per litre water	0

When to Use

Nirog works best as a preventive treatment or at the very first sign of disease. Since it is a biological agent, it takes a few days to establish in the soil, so early application gives the best results.

• At sowing time: Use as seed treatment for pulses and vegetables to protect young seedlings from damping-off and root rot.
• Before transplanting: Dip nursery roots in Nirog solution for 15 minutes to give transplants a strong, disease-free start.
• During soil preparation: Apply the incubated manure mixture to the field 3-4 days before sowing or transplanting.
• At first disease symptoms: If you notice wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth, apply Nirog immediately as a soil drench.
• Timing of day: Always apply during cool hours — early morning or late evening. Avoid direct hot sun as UV rays can kill the Trichoderma spores.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

For Soil Application (Best Method — Incubation Technique):

1. Take 1-2 kg of Nirog and mix it thoroughly with 100 kg of well-decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM).
2. Sprinkle water on the mixture to moisten it — do not make it too wet, just damp.
3. Cover the pile with a clean gunny bag or plastic sheet and keep it in a shaded place.
4. Leave it for 3-4 days. During this time, the Trichoderma fungus multiplies by billions inside the manure.
5. Spread the incubated manure evenly over one acre of field.
6. Mix it into the topsoil (where roots grow) using a harrow or rotavator.
7. Irrigate lightly after application to help the fungus settle into the soil.

For Seed Treatment:

1. Take the required quantity of seeds.
2. Prepare a slurry by mixing 8-10 g of Nirog with enough water and a small amount of jaggery (gur) to make a sticky paste.
3. Coat the seeds uniformly with this slurry.
4. Dry the treated seeds in shade for 15-20 minutes before sowing.

For Nursery / Root Dip:

1. Mix 10 g of Nirog in 1 litre of water to make a solution.
2. Dip the roots of seedlings in this solution for 15 minutes before transplanting.
3. Plant the treated seedlings immediately.

Compatibility

• Compatible with: Organic manures (FYM, compost), bio-fertilizers, and most insecticides.
• Do NOT mix with: Chemical fungicides — they will kill the beneficial Trichoderma fungus. Always maintain a gap of at least 7-10 days between applying a chemical fungicide and Nirog.
• Avoid mixing directly with: High concentrations of chemical fertilizers like Urea or DAP in the same tank.
• If unsure about compatibility with a specific product, do a small jar test before large-scale mixing.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear full protective clothing including rubber gloves, mask, goggles, and apron during handling and application.
• Do not smoke, eat, or drink while handling or applying the product.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight to keep the spores alive.
• Keep away from children, food, and animal feed.
• Rinse mixing and spraying equipment thoroughly with water and detergent after each use.
• Do not dispose of surplus solution in crop fields or water bodies to avoid contamination.
• Apply during cool hours (early morning or late evening) — UV rays from hot sun can kill the fungus.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Nirog is a biological product with a Green Triangle (safe/non-toxic) label. No phytotoxicity has been reported when used as per recommended dosage. However, as with all biological agents, effectiveness may reduce if applied during extreme heat or direct sunlight, as UV radiation can harm the Trichoderma spores.

PHI / REI & Storage

• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): 0 days — harvest immediately after application. No waiting period needed.
• Shelf Life: 12 months (1 year) from the date of manufacture.
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly sealed.