Nature-Based Herbicides and Micro-/Nanotechnology Fostering Sustainable Agriculture

Author(s)

Campos, Estefania V. R. ; Ratko, Jonathan ; Bidyarani, Ngangom ; Takeshita, Vanessa ; Fraceto, Leonardo F.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING; v. 11, n. 27, p. 18-pg., 2023-06-26.

Abstract

Bioherbicides,also known as nature-based herbicides, play a crucialrole in sustainable agriculture by effectively inhibiting weed growthand development. They help increase crop productivity by reducingcompetition between plants for nutrients, water, and light. Theireco-friendly nature sets bioherbicides apart, promoting environmentallyconscious farming practices. Despite their numerous benefits, manybioherbicide compounds are inherently unstable and susceptible toenvironmental degradation by temperature, light, humidity, and microbialactivity, thus posing challenges for effective weed management. Toaddress this issue, a growing emphasis has been placed on encapsulationstrategies in recent years. Encapsulation techniques offer severaladvantages for bioherbicides, including enhanced efficacy, sustainablebiological compound release, environmental factor protection, andshelf life improvement. Polymers, particularly biopolymers, are promisingmaterials for bioherbicide encapsulation in micro-/nanoparticles.These particles are specifically designed for the targeted deliveryof bioherbicides, ensuring effective crop protection and weed management.Micro-/nanotechnology incorporation in encapsulated formulation developmenthas revealed their notable potential. This study focuses on the latestdevelopments in the encapsulation of bioherbicides into micro-/nanoparticlesand their practical application for weed management. By leveragingmicro-/nanotechnology, researchers aim to maximize bioherbicidal applicationand efficacy, paving the way for sustainable agricultural weed managementpractices. The findings of this study may serve as a reference forexpanding the use of micro-/nanotechnology-associated bioherbicidesfor providing potential sustainable weed control solutions. Micro-/nanoencapsulation can improvethe effectiveness ofbioherbicides as smart and eco-friendly carriers for agriculturalapplications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/04758-1 - Nanoparticles as a carrier of herbicides applied in pre-emergency system in soils derived from no-tillage and conventional
• Grantee: Vanessa Takeshita
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 22/00509-0 - Distribution and effects of metribuzin nanoparticles on soil, soil communities and plants in a soil mesocosm experiment: a comparison of two polymeric nanocarrier systems
• Grantee: Vanessa Takeshita
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 21/10639-5 - Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change
• Grantee: Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 17/21004-5 - Agriculture, micro/nanotechnology and environment: from evaluation of the mechanisms of action to studies of transport and toxicity
• Grantee: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants