Oil Company Sells Microbial Pesticides for Organic Farming

Copyright Idemitsu Kosan Co.

Since its release in January 2008 by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd, a Japanese petroleum company, Toughblock, a microbial pesticide for paddy rice plants, has received recognition for its performance in preventing paddy rice diseases. Toughblock prevents the development of disease-causing bacteria by building up beneficial fungi on the surface of rice seeds during the rice seedling preparation period.

Toughblock is becoming widespread among organic farmers, including those who produce premium rice certified by the Agricultural Ministry of Japan, because it has a lower impact on people, livestock and the environment, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, it was awarded a prize, the outstanding performance award for high-grade products and services in 2009 from Nikkei Inc., a media organization focusing on business and economic news.

While focusing on oil-related businesses, the company has worked on developing fungus-based products, which are beneficial for agriculture and stockbreeding. Its products range from improving soil to repelling harmful insects, and some of the products are formulated with Bacillus subtilis natto, a bacterium long associated with Japanese food. These products are expected to contribute to agriculture using microorganism and natural materials for the environment.

Posted: 2010/04/16 06:00:15 AM