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

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