Can nanotechnology improve the application of bioherbicides?

Abstract

Bioherbicides are composed of microorganisms or natural compounds and are used for weed control; however, they have specific weaknesses and constraints that hinder their development and success under field conditions. Nanotechnology can help to overcome these limitations by providing a good starting point for the design of specific formulations and carriers that minimize the deficiencies of natural compounds and microorganisms, such as low solubility, short shelf life or a loss of viability. In addition, nanoformulations can help to improve the efficacy of bioherbicides by increasing their effectiveness and bioavailability, reducing the amount required for a treatment, and enhancing their ability to target specific weeds while preserving the crop. However, it is important to choose the right materials and nanodevices depending on specific needs and considering several factors inherent to nanomaterials such as production cost, safety or possible toxic effects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Herbicidal Potential of the Natural Compounds Carvacrol, Thymol, Eugenol, p-Cymene, Citral and Pelargonic Acid in Field Conditions: Indications for Better Performance

“…In both experiments, weeds at 0 WAT were in good condition, with no damage due to external abiotic or biotic factors. Weeds at GUA were in a later BBCH stage (14)(15)(16)(17)(18) than at UPV (12)(13)(14). On the first WAT, there were damage differences in weeds among treatments (Table 5).…”

“…These products of natural origin are not 100% miscible with water, so they need to be formulated. One solution to increase the efficacy of bioherbicides in the field is formulation and nanoencapsulation [14][15][16]. In this work, the herbicidal potential of different natural products, with known herbicidal properties-carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, citral, p-cymene and pelargonic acid-were formulated by the company Seipasa and tested in field conditions.…”

Nanobiosensors and nanoformulations in agriculture: new advances and challenges for sustainable agriculture

“…): encapsulating the product in a nanocapsule provides a protective cover that prevents the deterioration of the active substance, allowing for a reduction in the effective applied dose. This also opens the possibility of using naturally occurring agrochemicals, which easily decompose in the environment and are less persistent, whose sensitivity to degradation has hindered their use until now [ 31 , 32 ].…”

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

“…Thus, increasing the concentration of bioherbicides in smaller packages can contribute to reduced development costs of these products and the storage and distribution processes for the final consumer . Sustained bioactive release increases bioactivity, prevents toxic concentrations in the soil, preserves microorganism activity, and ensures long-term efficiency and efficacy. , …”