Waheed, et al (2024) Pyrolysed maize feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More utilization in combination with Trichoderma viride against Macrophomina phaseolina. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70975-6

Maize crops worldwide are threatened by charcoalCharcoal is a black, brittle, and porous material produced by heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. It is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking and heating.   More rot, a disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina. Traditionally controlled with chemicals, researchers are exploring safer, sustainable alternatives. A recent study highlights the potential of combining maize-derived biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More with the biocontrol agent Trichoderma viride as an effective method for disease management and crop improvement.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of maize stalks and cobs, was tested alongside T. viride to evaluate their combined effects on charcoal rot suppression and maize growth. Biochar’s unique physical properties—large surface area, porous structure, and high carbon content—make it ideal for soil enhancement. T. viride, known for its antagonistic properties against soil-borne pathogens, was chosen for its effectiveness in controlling M. phaseolina.

In controlled experiments, maize biochar at 3% concentration reduced disease severity by 40%, while the combination of biochar and T. viride further enhanced disease suppression, reducing severity to 20%. Additionally, biochar improved soil nutrient availability, increasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in the plants, thereby promoting healthier growth. The study found that biochar and T. viride not only mitigated the effects of charcoal rot but also improved plant biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More and nutrient uptake.

This research demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating biochar and biocontrol agents as a sustainable approach to managing charcoal rot in maize, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and promoting healthier crop production.