How to Apply Verticillium lecanii on Cardamom & Pepper – Step‑by‑Step Guide

Many farmers apply Verticillium lecanii incorrectly and then think it doesn't work. Follow these simple steps from Bactostore to get full value.

How Verticillium lecanii works: The fungal spores land on the pest's body, germinate, and penetrate through the cuticle. Once inside, the fungus grows rapidly, consuming the pest's internal organs and producing toxins. The pest dies within 48‑72 hours.

For foliar spray (for aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mealybugs on leaves and spikes):

Using liquid formulation:

  1. Take 1‑2 litres of Bactostore's Verticillium lecanii liquid

  2. Dilute in 200‑400 litres of water (for 1 acre)

  3. For better results, add 2 kg jaggery (gur) – the sugar feeds the fungus, boosting spore germination

  4. Let the mixture sit for overnight (8‑12 hours) – this allows spores to germinate and become more infective

  5. Spray thoroughly on both sides of leaves, on stems, spikes, and berries

  6. Pay special attention to the underside of leaves where pests hide

  7. Spray in early morning or late evening when humidity is high

  8. Repeat every 10‑15 days during active pest infestation

Using powder formulation:

  1. Take 1‑2 kg of Bactostore's Verticillium lecanii powder

  2. Mix in 200‑400 litres of water (for 1 acre)

  3. Add 2 kg jaggery (gur) and let it sit overnight – this is very important for powder formulations

  4. Filter the solution through a fine cloth to avoid clogging spray nozzles

  5. Spray as described above

For soil application (for mealybugs, scale insects, and root pests):

  1. Take 1‑2 litres of liquid OR 1‑2 kg of powder

  2. Mix with 200 kg well‑decomposed FYM or compost

  3. Apply this mixture in the basin around each cardamom clump or pepper vine

  4. Lightly cover with soil

  5. Apply pre‑monsoon or at the beginning of the growing season

  6. Repeat every 3‑4 months

For drip irrigation (for regular preventive application):

  1. Take 1‑2 litres of Bactostore's Verticillium lecanii liquid

  2. Dilute in 200 litres of water

  3. Apply through drip system every 20‑30 days during the growing season

  4. This provides continuous, low‑level protection

For young plants (root dip before planting):

  1. Mix 10 ml of Verticillium lecanii liquid in 1 litre of water

  2. Dip the roots of young cardamom suckers or pepper cuttings for 10 minutes before planting

  3. This protects young plants from soil‑borne mealybugs and scale insects

Three golden rules from Bactostore:

  1. Apply in early morning or late evening – sunlight and UV rays kill Verticillium spores. Never spray in midday sun.

  2. Keep the spray solution fresh – use mixed solution within 24 hours. Do not store overnight after mixing. Liquid formulations should be sprayed immediately after mixing.

  3. Never mix with chemical fungicides or bactericides – they will instantly kill the beneficial fungus. Copper‑based fungicides are especially harmful.

Compatibility guide:

  • Compatible with: neem oil, other biopesticides (Beauveria, Metarhizium), mild insecticides, jaggery, molasses

  • NOT compatible with: chemical fungicides (copper, carbendazim, mancozeb, etc.), chemical bactericides, strong chemical pesticides

  • If you must use chemicals: Apply chemical pesticides first, wait 7‑10 days, then apply Verticillium. Or apply Verticillium first, wait 5‑7 days, then apply chemicals.

Shelf life and storage:

  • Liquid: 12‑18 months. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

  • Powder: 8‑12 months. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep container tightly closed.

  • Refrigeration (4°C) can extend shelf life for long‑term storage, but room temperature storage is fine for 6‑8 months.

For a free application calendar tailored to your Idukki farm, WhatsApp your crop details to 9146150117 or visit www.peaklab.co.in.

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