Report of
FNCA 2008 Workshop on Biofertilizer
“Multifunctional Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture”

Following the agreement at the 9^th Coordinators Meeting in March, Tokyo, Japan, the FNCA 2008 Workshop on “Multifunctional Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture” took place as follows:

The participants from 7 countries

Opening Session and Introductory Presentation

The Workshop began with the address by Dr. Hudi Hastowo, Chairman of National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), followed by Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan. And Three introductory presentations was delivered from Dr. Machi, Dr. Taswanda Taryo (FNCA Coordinator of Indonesia), and Dr. Tadashi Yokoyama (Project Leader of Japan).

Session II: Country Report

Country reports of FY 2008 were summarized as follows:

China
Five pot experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of different combinations of multi-functional inoculants to soybean, corn and paddy rice. Inoculants with Trichederma sp., which are antagonistic strain to soil born disease, had distinctive effect to plant growth on soybean.

Indonesia
Compost was chosen for carrier in the project phase 2, because organic material is easy to obtain and can be produced near the biofertilizer producer. The compost with original total bacteria of 10⁸ cfu/gram could not eliminate the indigenous bacteria by irradiation at 20 kGy, but compost with fewer original bacteria of 10⁶ cfu/gram was eliminated by irradiation at 20 kGy.

Japan
In order to obtain mutants that are tolerant to environmental stress, radiation method of carbon ion beam irradiation to soybean root nodule bacteria and screening method of ion-beam-irradiated strains were developed.

Malaysia
Compost from empty fruit bunches (EFB) of oil palm and palm oil mill effluent (POME) is used as a microbial carrier in Nuclear Malaysia's biofertilizer products. It was introduced that Malaysian Agri Hi-Tech, agricultural biotechnology company specializing in mycorrhizal product, sent containers and bottles for gamma irradiation.

The Philippines
Gamma irradiation at 30 kGy and heat autoclave were compared for sterilization of Azospirillum strains in Bio-N. The results were same, but gamma irradiation method had advantages in efficiency and texture of the carrier. Field experiment of Azospirillum inoculation to paddy rice was conducted.

Thailand
The effect of multi-functional biofertilizer, Bradyrhizobium with Azospirillum and Beijerinkia, application to soybean was evaluated. The impact of carrier sterilization on growth and survival of rhizobia was determined.

Vietnam
Multi-functional biofertilizer was developed with Azotobacter, Streptomyces, and Bacillus. It suppressed root disease and nematode damage of pepper in the field.

Project Plan and Challenges

Participants discussed mainly 4 topics as follows.
1) Improvement of quality of inoculants with carrier sterilized by radiation in comparison with heat autoclaving
2) Availability of radiation facilities and cooperation between nuclear institutes and agriculture institutes
3) Test results of multifunctional biofertilizer
4) Strategy for extension of biofertilizer

Then, experimental plan for 2009 was updated. Three main target crops, soybean, vegetables and paddy rice, and combination of microorganisms were selected. Experimental plan for carrier sterilization by irradiation was listed to determine proper dose for different types of carrier and pretreatment. Cost of irradiation of carriers should be calculated including transportation expenses of carriers in each country in comparison with autoclaving.

Open Seminar

The Open Seminar was held on 1st day, and 7 special presentations were delivered as follows.

- Essential Roles of Nuclear Technology for Development of Indonesia
Dr. Hudi Hastowo, Chairman, BATAN

- Nuclear Technology for Development and Environment Protection
Dr Sueo Machi (FNCA Coordinator of Japan)

- Bio (organic) Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture
Dr Zaenal Soedjais (Indonesian Fertilizer Council)

- Status and Implementation of Mycorrhiza Research in Research
Dr Supriyanto (SEAMEO-Biotrop, Factory of Forestry, Bogor Agriculture University)

- Biofertilizer Application for Sustainable Agriculture in Thailand
Dr Siriluck Jitacksorn (Department Of Agriculture of Thailand)

- Environmental Friendly Bio-Pesticide Application in Japan
Dr Masataka Aino (Hyogo Pref. Tech. Centre for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan)

- Radiation Sterilization in Biofertilizer Production
Mr. Ratna (PT Hobson Interbuana, Indonesia)

The scene of the Open Seminar

Technical Visit

Participants visited the biofertilizer trial plots for vegetables in Pacet Field Station, Department of Agriculture. The treatments were negative control (50% and 100% farmyard manure, FYM) and inoculation with biofertilizer combined with 50% FYM. It was observed that broccoli, cabbage and carrot gave positive response to the biofertilizer application.
And they also visited the biofertilizer factory of PT Hobson Interbuana, which produces biofertilizer for soybean (Rhizo-Plus) using irradiated carrier. In this factory, peat as a carrier was packed in a small plastic bag and send for gamma irradiation. After irradiation, liquid culture of multiple strains with Bradyrhizobium was injected to plastic bag. Guarantee period is 6 months and Rhizo-Plus is distributed to many islands of Indonesia. The successful example of this company will be used as a good model for promoting biofertilizer production with carrier sterilized by gamma irradiation.

With Biofertilizer / Without Biofertilizer	With staff of PT. Hobson Interbuana Indonesia
The Carrot with / without Biofertilizer at Pacet Field Station

Minutes of
FNCA 2008 Workshop on Biofertilizer
“Multifunctional Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture”

Following the agreement at the 9^th Coordinators Meeting in March, Tokyo, Japan, the FNCA 2008 Workshop on “Multifunctional Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture” took place as follows:

Workshop Program

The Program is as in Attachment II.

Opening Session

Opening session began with the address by Dr. Hudi Hastowo, Chairman of National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), followed by Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan.

Session I: Introductory Presentation

Dr. Machi presented “FNCA's progress for 2009”. FNCA is to be recognized as an effective mechanism for enhancing socioeconomic development through active regional partnership in the peaceful and safe utilization of nuclear technology. FNCA projects put more attention on building infrastructure of Nuclear Power and Radiation application. In Indonesia, FNCA projects conducted research on reactor utilization, under cooperation with BATAN.
Dr. Taswanda Taryo, FNCA Coordinator of Indonesia delivered speech on “Radiation Technology for Sustainable Development in Indonesia”. Competency of Isotope and Radiation Technology Used in Agriculture: one of the applications is on Fertilization and Plant Nutrition by using isotope techniques as a tracer of fertilizer and bio-fertilizers.
And Dr. Tadashi Yokoyama, Project Leader of Japan, presented on activities of FNCA Biofertilizer Project on “Multifunctional Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture” in FY 2007.

Session II: Country Report

Attachment III

Session III: Project Plan and Challenges

1. Improvement of Quality of Inoculants with Carrier Sterilized by Radiation in Comparison with Heat Autoclaving
Lead Speakers: Dr Pham Van Toan (Vietnam)
Ms Soertini Gandanegara (Indonesia)

Inoculant produced with carriers sterilized by radiation can be stored longer than that with carriers sterilized by autoclave. They have less contaminant and improve shelf life of beneficial microorganisms. No data is available on the survival of the beneficial microorganisms in the inoculant after 1 year of storage. It needs further studies to evaluate the improvement on the quality of inoculants with carriers sterilized by irradiation in comparison with autoclave in terms of long time preservation.

2. Availability of Radiation Facilities and Cooperation between Nuclear Institutes and Agriculture Institutes
Lead Speakers: Dr Sueo Machi (Japan)
Dr Khairuddin Bin Abdul Rahim (Malaysia)

All FNCA member countries have gamma irradiation facilities, and these are used for different purposes, including sterilization of medical products, food irradiation and also sterilization of biofertilizer carriers. The important point to consider is that these facilities are made available to those seeking irradiation of biofertilizer carriers. Thus, good cooperation between nuclear institutes and institutions involved in biofertilizer research or production is necessary for the program to be successful. The irradiation services should be made known to potential users, especially the private sectors.

3. Test Results of Multifunctional Biofertilizer
Lead Speakers: Dr Matasaka Aino (Japan)
Dr Siriluck Jitacksorn (Thailand)

Ability of production of antagonistic substance plays an important role in the suppression of diseases. In addition, activation of induced systemic resistance (ISR) may function in the plant in which the endophytic bacteria colonize. This mechanism is very useful for finding multifunctional biofertilizer.

4. Strategy for Extension of Biofertilizer
Lead Speaker: Ms Julieta Anarna (The Philippines)

Following issues were discussed. In general, biofertilizer utilization needs more intensive information to increase adoption of farmers on these biofertilizers. Massive government intervention and support in terms of promotion and extension programs are being done. Technology demonstration trials in farmers' field are being conducted countrywide to showcase the benefits of using it. Other promotional strategies for biofertilizer are mainly targeting the end-users through media campaign. Results of the effect of biofertilizers have to be presented in conventions, seminars/trade shows and agricultural exhibits to help in the promotion. Marketing strategy is also needed. Collaboration with seed companies, producers and distributors can enhance these promotions. In conclusion, support from government and private sectors as well as acceptance of the farmers are the key in the success of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture.

Technical Visit

A. Technical Visit to Pacet Field Station, Department of Agriculture, Cianjur, West Java

The group visited the biofertilizer trial plots for vegetables (broccoli, kalian, carrot, lettuce and cabbage) at Pacet Field Station. The treatments were negative control (50% and 100% farmyard manure, FYM) and inoculation with biofertilizer combined with 50% FYM. The trial is still in progress. However, it was observed that broccoli, cabbage and carrot gave positive response to the biofertilizer application.

B. Technical Visit to PT Hobson Interbuana Biofertilizer Factory, Sukaresmi, Cianjur, West Java.

The group later visited the biofertilizer factory of PT Hobson Interbuana, which produces biofertilizers for legumes using irradiated carrier (Rhizo-Plus and Rhizo-Nut-Plus) and a plant growth promoter known as Hobsanol (extract from the waxy leaves of a plant). The manufacturing processes of the products were shown, including aspect of QC/QA. The group greatly appreciated the generosity, hospitality and kindness of the hosts. Everyone was satisfied and learnt many new things from the visits.

Session IV: Plan for 2009-2010

Lead Speakers: Dr Tadashi Yokoyama

1. We decided target crops and experimental plan for carrier sterilization by irradiation (Table 1 and 2).
2. Cost of irradiation of carriers should be calculated including transportation expenses of carriers in each country in comparison with autoclaving.

Open Seminar

Summary is as in Attachment IV (PDF48KB)

Table 1. Experimental plan for multi-functional biofertilizer inoculation to maim target crops

Table 2. Experimental plan for carrier sterilization by irradiation