In the sub-area of agroformulationswe develop new solutions based on micro and nanoparticles environmentally inert and non-toxic, which allow the encapsulation and protection of biological agents for the control of agricultural pests and diseases. Our aim is to ensure that these agents can be applied to crops effectively, with adjusted levels of persistence and safety.
We work on identification of natural materials, from marine and terrestrial sources that can be used to wrap or encapsulate microorganisms, fungi or biomolecules with a protective action on plants. In this way, we promote the use of safer, more sustainable and efficient biopesticides, They are able to respond to the challenges of Mediterranean crops in the face of emerging pests and diseases.
Although biological protection agents are already recognized as sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides, they present a major challenge: they are highly sensitive to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature and solar radiation, which causes them to degrade rapidly.
Our team's work is therefore focused on developing biodegradable and sustainable materials that encapsulate these biological agents, protecting them and increasing their stability. This approach ensures that their application in the field is more effective, specific and long-lasting, while reducing environmental impact.
Encapsulation also has many advantages for the producer:
- Ease of handling and practical application
- Lower and less frequent dosages, with greater target specificity
- Prolonged stability and a longer persistence in the crop
- More effective in fighting pests and diseases, contributing to more sustainable and productive agriculture
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