Agriculture

Objectives of Research Projects

To profile soil microbial diversity and utilise soil microorganisms as unlimited resources of biological control agent. (SDG1, SDG2 & SDG15)

To investigate synergistic effects of microbial metabolites and next generation fertiliser in enhancing plant performances for better plant health and yield. (SDG1 & SDG2)

To benchmark fertiliser requirements of key fruit crops in Malaysia. (SDG1 & SDG2)

Final Year Research Projects

Bio-prospecting of antagonistic agent for controlling of Ralstonia solanacearum Phylotype 4, causal agent for Blood Disease of Banana.
Development of standard inoculation procedure for Blood Disease bacterium on banana.
Analysis of the rhizosphere bacterial communities in oil palm and screening for potential biological control candidates for Basal Stem Rot Disease of oil palm.
Evaluation of inhibitory effects of actinomycetes against urinary tract infection bacteria.
Analysis of microbial diversity and fungal pathogens (Pythium sp. and Fusarium sp.) of ginger cultivation soils between Bukit Tinggi and Karak
Evaluating in vitro Inhibition of Ganoderma Boninense with Silver and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles.
Potential suppression of Ganoderma Boninense Effective Microorganisms
In-vitro antifungal effect of hydroalcoholic plant extracts against Fusarium sp. isolated from banana.
In-vitro antifungal effect of guava, watercress and soursop plant extracts on soft rot pathogen of ginger, Fusarium solani.

Industrial collaborations

Provide soil fertility analysis services and consultancy of pest management in durian plantation and greenhouse pests.

Upcoming research

Bioprospecting of Actinomycetes for Suppression of Blood Disease Bacterium of Banana via Biological Soil Amendments
Exploring effectiveness of silica nanoparticles and Actinomycetes metabolites in suppressing Panama disease of banana

Questions:

Contact : lowyc@tarc.edu.my (Asst. Prof. Dr. Low Ying Chiang)

For more information and Potential Collaboration