Biological potential and microencapsulation of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil as an alternative for pest control in stored maize

Mariane Minozzo,Juliana Steffens,Geciane Toniazzo Backes,Natalia Paroul,Rogerio Luis Cansian

doi:10.33448/rsd-v10i14.22334

Abstract

This study proposes a review of biological potential of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) essential oil with a focus on microencapsulation as an alternative to control the occurrence of pests in stored maize grains. Due to the demands on corn productivity, there is the need to improve grain storage processes and conditions, since that in this stage there are quantitative and/or qualitative losses, mainly due to the maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) and the incidence of mycotoxin-producing fungi (Penicillium crustosum, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus flavus). The control of these pests is usually carried out with chemical insecticides, which can leave toxic residues in the grain. Therefore, the microencapsulation of essential oils appears as a promising alternative, considering the volatility of aromatic compounds, which are largely responsible for the activity against pests.

Highlights

The increase in maize (Zea mays L.) productivity is intrinsically linked to the improvement of the harvesting process and grain storage conditions
The negative consequences on the environment and society have driven the use of natural plant products, such as essential oils (EOs) with insecticidal activity, in pest control during grain storage (Regnault-Roger et al, 2012)
This review intends to address the relevant data that justify the microencapsulation of C. cassia essential oil as an antifungal, insecticide and repellent alternative to conventional pesticides for the control of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and fungi (Penicillium crustosum, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus flavus) in stored grains

Summary

Introduction

The increase in maize (Zea mays L.) productivity is intrinsically linked to the improvement of the harvesting process and grain storage conditions. Maize grains are susceptible to fungal contamination, especially Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium The proliferation of these fungi in maize leads to a reduction in yield, quality and economic losses, and produces carcinogenic secondary metabolites, called mycotoxins, which pose a threat to human and animal health (Sun et al, 2017; Ti et al, 2019; Tournas & Niazi, 2017). The negative consequences on the environment and society have driven the use of natural plant products, such as essential oils (EOs) with insecticidal activity, in pest control during grain storage (Regnault-Roger et al, 2012). This review intends to address the relevant data that justify the microencapsulation of C. cassia essential oil as an antifungal, insecticide and repellent alternative to conventional pesticides for the control of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and fungi (Penicillium crustosum, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus flavus) in stored grains

Methodology

Results and Discussion

Final Considerations