Evaluation of the acaricidal potential of the encapsulated agave sisalana extract against the mite-vector of the citrus leprosis Brevipalpus yothersi

• Grant number: 19/01395-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2019
• End date: April 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Lucinéia dos Santos
• Grantee: Alice de Estefani
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Citrus leprosis is the main viral disease that affects Brazilian oranges production, leading to a significant reduction of productivity and cost increase. Currently, combating leprosis is done by controlling the vector mite species Brevipalpus sp. through the use of synthetic acaricides, however, the hazards for man and the environment are highlighted, as well as for the increase of resistance of the vector. In line with the demands for sustainable technological innovations in the area of agricultural pesticides, previous research carried out by our research group and still unpublished have demonstrated the effectiveness of Agave sisalana dry mucilage extract in the control of mites. However, for the development of an acaricide product from this extract, with market insertion capacity and guaranteed efficiency, it is necessary to use technologies that improve the preparation of the same and guarantee stability and applicability. In this direction, this project aims the encapsulation of the dry mucilage extract of Agave sisalana in chitosan and cellulose acetate, and the evaluation of its acaricidal action against the mite-vector of the citrus Brevipalpus yothersi. In addition, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests will be carried out in order to establish a relationship between the phytochemical and pharmacological composition of the extract.