Neem seed extract improves effectiveness of pesticide

Akbrut and his research team developed an innovative pesticide delivery system called nanopesticides. Developed by Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallo, professor of horticultural sciences in Texas A&M’s College of Engineering and College of Agriculture, and Dr. Younjin Min, professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UC Riverside, these micro-technologies could change the way we live. Use pesticides.

“The United States leads the world in agricultural production, feeding not only our country but much of the world,” Akbrut said. “However, the way we use pesticides is simply unsustainable, and a large portion of it falls short of expectations. “. “Our research shows that by optimizing the surface chemistry of pesticide carriers, we can make these important crop protection tools more effective.”

The team studied different types of nanopesticide carriers, testing their “stickiness” to pepper leaves, a representative model for many important crops. They found that the surface chemistry of the carrier plays an important role in how well the nanopesticide adheres to the plant.

Nanopesticides encapsulate active pesticide ingredients within microscopic carriers. Think of it as delivering targeted packages directly to pests, minimizing collateral damage. This research focuses on understanding how these nanopesticides interact with plant surfaces, a critical step in maximizing their effectiveness.

Pesticides are essential to protect crops from pests and diseases, and without them we would lose a significant portion of our harvests – up to 70-80% of fruits, 40-50% of vegetables and 20-30% of grains.

However, current pesticide application methods are extremely inefficient. Over 80-90% of pesticides sprayed completely miss their target and end up in the environment where they can cause harm. Not only is this waste bad for the planet, it’s also economically unsustainable.

Akbulut and PhD candidate Yashwanth Arcot discussed the compound in a 2017 paper surfaces and interfaces Journal is a blend of the food preservative ethyl lauroyl arginine (ELA) and neem seed extract.

Arcot’s research interests focus on nanopesticide chemistry to ensure higher targeting capabilities and strong correlation between nanopesticide carriers and their adsorption behavior.

Akbrut believes that by using nanopesticides, he can increase their efficacy by better targeting the plant’s surface. Akbulut and his team aim to achieve this by taking a variety of pesticides and changing their interfacial properties using carriers that are best suited to interact with the surface properties of the plant.

Overall, the goal of the research is to find a more effective and environmentally friendly approach to pesticide formulation that is sustainable for agricultural practices and global food security.

“This research addresses a key challenge in sustainable agriculture by optimizing nanopesticide systems to increase efficacy, reduce environmental pollution and minimize impacts on non-target organisms and human health,” Akot said.

Neem seed is a natural pesticide derived from the seeds of the neem tree and is used to control pests and diseases in crops. Extracts from the neem tree are mostly grown in India but are managed with organic pesticides.

“Organic pesticides use this formula, and we also use this molecule in the center. Although the carriers are different, the active ingredients can inhibit or inactivate pests.”

The paper states that among various types of pesticides, nanopesticides have proven to be advanced crop protection strategies relying on agricultural technology, nanotechnology and materials chemistry.

Akbrut said the discovery has profound implications for the future of agriculture. By customizing the surface chemistry of nanopesticides, scientists can optimize their effectiveness, ensuring that more pesticides reach target pests and reducing environmental pollution.

“For farmers or industry who use pesticides, they will clearly understand the value of this research,” Ackerbrut said. “Generally, pesticides are considered harmful to the environment and using neem seed extract ensures that crops are protected from pests and are non-toxic when consumed.”