Developing phytochemical formulations for agricultural control

Abstract

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the world population in 2019 is approximately 7.7 billion people, with a projection of about 10.9 billion in 2100. This growth will pose challenges regarding the growth of world food production and reduction of the environmental impact from agricultural practices. Up to 40% of world agricultural production is estimated to be lost annually as a result of pest and disease attack. Brazil is the world's third largest exporter of agribusiness products. Losses in agricultural production in the field, post-harvest and agro-industries occur due to a number of factors, including diseases caused by nematodes and phytopathogenic microorganisms. The control of pests and diseases is carried out by applying pesticides, where since 2008 Brazil is the largest consumer in the world. Environmental problems and human health caused by the overuse of these products have demanded, worldwide, for products that can contribute to sustainable food production and minimize the environmental impact, contributing to the development of green pesticides, among them, the phytoproducts. Essential oils stand out among the sources of raw material with potential for pest and disease control. The main barrier to the manufacture of products from essential oils is their low water solubility, volatility and the possibility of degradation by light and heat. The effective use of essential oils in the control of agricultural pests requires technological innovation in order to minimize the problems mentioned. In this context, this project aims to develop formulations based on essential oils to control nematodes, Meloydogine spp, and postharvest fungus Penicillium digitatum, which causes green mold in orange. (AU)