Preparation, Function and Application of Agrochemicals

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2025 | Viewed by 767

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: nanopesticides; slow-release technology of pesticides; pesticide nanoformulations; pesticide nanocapsules

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Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
Interests: nano capusle; nanoemulsion; controlled release; transportation; environmental safety
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agrochemicals, encompassing pesticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators, are essential substances of modern agriculture. The advent of synthetic agrochemicals significantly boosted crop yields and food production. However, their extensive use has raised concerns about environmental impacts, including soil degradation, water pollution, and the development of pesticide-resistant pests. Historically, the focus has been on the development of new compounds and formulations to enhance efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The evolution of agrochemicals has been marked by a shift from broad-spectrum, high-toxicity products to more targeted, environmentally friendly alternatives.

This Special Issue, “Preparation, Function and Application of Agrochemicals”, aims to bring together the latest research and developments in the field. It seeks to explore innovative approaches in the synthesis, formulation, and application of agrochemicals, as well as their impact on agriculture and the environment.

The Special Issue will highlight cutting-edge research that addresses current challenges and future directions in agrochemical science. This includes the following:

  • The use of nanotechnology in agrochemical delivery systems for enhanced targeting and reduced environmental exposure.
  • The development of biopesticides and biofertilizers derived from natural sources.
  • The application of genomics and proteomics in understanding the mode of action of agrochemicals and resistance mechanisms in pests.
  • The integration of agrochemicals with other pest control methods, such as biological controls and cultural practices.
  • The development of decision support systems for the optimal use of agrochemicals based on environmental and economic factors.

We invite original research articles, reviews, and case studies that contribute to the understanding and advancement of agrochemicals. Potential topics include but are not limited to the synthesis and characterization of new agrochemical compounds, the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of novel agrochemical formulations, studies on the environmental fate and impact of agrochemicals, field studies on the application of agrochemicals when integrated pest management systems, the analysis of economic and social implications of agrochemical use, and reviews on the current state and future prospects of agrochemical research and development.

Prof. Dr. Yan Wang
Prof. Dr. Kun Qian
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agrochemicals
  • pesticides
  • fertilizers
  • nanotechnology
  • growth regulators
  • environmental impacts
  • sustainable alternatives

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

27 pages, 2140 KiB  
Review
Applications of Plant Essential Oils in Pest Control and Their Encapsulation for Controlled Release: A Review
by Rocío Ayllón-Gutiérrez, Laura Díaz-Rubio, Myriam Montaño-Soto, María del Pilar Haro-Vázquez and Iván Córdova-Guerrero
Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101766 - 6 Oct 2024
Viewed by 524
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) are volatile products derived from the secondary metabolism of plants with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pesticidal properties. They have traditionally been used in medicine, cosmetics, and food additives. In agriculture, EOs stand out as natural alternatives for pest control, as they [...] Read more.
Essential oils (EOs) are volatile products derived from the secondary metabolism of plants with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pesticidal properties. They have traditionally been used in medicine, cosmetics, and food additives. In agriculture, EOs stand out as natural alternatives for pest control, as they show biocidal, repellent, and antifeedant effects. However, they are highly volatile compounds and susceptible to oxidation, which has limited their use as pesticides. This has led to exploring micro- and nano-scale encapsulation to protect these compounds, improving their stability and allowing for a controlled release. Various encapsulation techniques exist, such as emulsification, ionic gelation, and complex coacervation. Nanoemulsions are useful in the food industry, while ionic gelation and complex coacervation offer high encapsulation efficiency. Materials such as chitosan, gelatin-gum-Arabic, and cyclodextrins are promising for agricultural applications, providing stability and the controlled release of EOs. Encapsulation technology is still under development but offers sustainable alternatives to conventional agrochemicals. This article reviews the potential of EOs in pest management and encapsulation techniques that enhance their efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Function and Application of Agrochemicals)
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