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Sustainable Pest Management Using Biodegradable Apitoxin-Loaded Calcium-Alginate Microspheres

Author

Listed:
  • Darija Lemic

    (Department for Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Matej Orešković

    (Department for Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Katarina M. Mikac

    (Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2500, Australia)

  • Marijan Marijan

    (Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 20/II, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Slaven Jurić

    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Kristina Vlahoviček-Kahlina

    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Marko Vinceković

    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

Alternatives and replacements for synthetic chemical-based plant protectants are required. In this study biopolymeric microspheres containing arthropod-derived apitoxin are explored as a possible novel environmentally friendly formulation for plant protection. Here we document the optimization process for microencapsulation of apitoxin into a stable formulation, for ready use in agricultural applications. Efficacy trials were carried out on three different beetle species at various developmental stages ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say, 1824.), Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758.), Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus, 1758.)). The encapsulated apitoxin has a steady initial and long residual effect, due to the slow release of apitoxin which is one of its main advantages over other conventional control methods. Microspheres loaded with apitoxin have a detrimental effect on insects, of which it is significantly better gastric compared to contact action (due to pH). The results showed that the highest and fastest mortality was obtained when the highest concentrations (0.6%) were applied, chosen to be economically acceptable. These important findings contribute to knowledge on the application and development of encapsulated apitoxin formulations, and their effectiveness, as an alternative eco-friendly control method in agricultural production.

Suggested Citation

  • Darija Lemic & Matej Orešković & Katarina M. Mikac & Marijan Marijan & Slaven Jurić & Kristina Vlahoviček-Kahlina & Marko Vinceković, 2021. "Sustainable Pest Management Using Biodegradable Apitoxin-Loaded Calcium-Alginate Microspheres," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:6167-:d:565678
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alan Knowles, 2008. "Recent developments of safer formulations of agrochemicals," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 28(1), pages 35-44, March.
    2. Lu Zhang & Chengxi Yan & Qing Guo & Junbiao Zhang & Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, 2018. "The impact of agricultural chemical inputs on environment: global evidence from informetrics analysis and visualization," International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, Oxford University Press, vol. 13(4), pages 338-352.
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