Application of nanotechnology for the encapsulation of botanical insecticides for sustainable agriculture

• Grant number: 14/26873-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: June 10, 2015 - June 25, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Grantee: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Visiting researcher: Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash
• Visiting researcher institution: Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (BHU), India
• Host Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The main types of botanical insecticides are described, together with different carrier systems and their potential uses. The botanical insecticides include those based on active principles isolated from plant extracts, as well as essential oils derived from certain plants. The advantages offered by the systems are highlighted, together with the main technological challenges that must be resolved prior to future implementation of the systems for agricultural pest control. The use of botanical insecticides associated with nanotechnology offers considerable potential for increasing agricultural productivity, while at the same time reducing impacts on the environment and human health. (AU)