Safer and biodegradable micro and nano-encapsulations for agricultural applications in pest control

The application of nanotechnology is widely spread across different areas such as health, agriculture, food packaging, cosmetics and even environmental management. One example is the encapsulation of active ingredients and delivery systems for agricultural products. Micro- and nano-encapsulation technologies offer a promising strategy for improving pest-management products by encapsulating active principles (compounds) within protective polymeric shells. This approach can enhance stability, allow controlled and targeted release, reduce off-target exposure, and minimize the total amount of active ingredient needed in the field. In the PHEROVID project, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, we are developing an alternative solution for pest control in vineyards that combines safety, sustainability, and biodegradability strategies. This involves producing non-conventional agrochemicals for pest control and encapsulating pheromones in biodegradable polymeric shells. Specifically, a microencapsulated pheromone with controlled release and adequate persistence was developed, ensuring its effectiveness in the field, while maintaining a biodegradability profile that prevents residue accumulation in the environment. The biodegradability assessment is performed in three different stages, starting with a screening methodology based on the MT2, followed by the standardised guideline OECD 301F and a final validation of the selected encapsulations in soil following the standardised guideline ISO 17556:2019. The biodegradability assessment alongside performance results of their persistence during the use phase and the efficacy in the field will allow the final material selection.