Pesticide Products Research Articles

Enhancing Systemic Translocation of Insecticides via Nanoformulations Incorporating β-Cyclodextrin Octadecarboxylate as a Carrier.

The conversion of contact-killing pesticides into systemic pesticides can significantly enhance the bioavailability of pesticides, thereby reducing pesticide usage and environmental harm. A series of β-cyclodextrin fatty acid esters with varying branch chains were synthesized and employed as carriers in nanoformulation of insecticide. The investigation revealed that nanoformulations prepared using β-cyclodextrin octadecarboxylate (β-CDs) exhibited superior stability and remarkable systemic translocation within plants. Six contact-killing insecticide nanoformulations were developed utilizing β-CDs as carriers, and tests indicated that β-CDs significantly enhanced the systemic translocation of insecticides in plants compared to carrier-free nanoformulations. It was found that β-CDs increased the level of systemic translocation of insecticides by 5-12 times. Additionally, characterization results from λ-cyhalothrin-β-CDs nanoformulation demonstrated their superior ability to improve photolysis resistance, prolong release time, and extend insecticidal duration. Consequently, β-CDs can be utilized as a green additive in pesticide production to enhance the systemic translocation of pesticides in plants and increase their bioavailability.

Effect of pumping-induced soil settlement on the migration and transformation of aniline

This study selected a contamination site associated with pesticide production to investigate the impact of soil settlement induced by pumping on the migration and transformation of the principal pollutant, aniline. The TMVOC model was enhanced by incorporating the settlement effect and validated through a soil-column experiment, which examined aniline distribution, phase transformation, and remediation efficiency under soil settlement. The results indicate that the optimized TMVOC model can accurately simulate the impact of pumping-induced soil settlement on aniline removal. The longitudinal migration of aniline was reduced, with the area of high concentrations drawing nearer to the surface. Furthermore, soil settlement negatively affected the removal of aniline in the Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) phase, resulting in a 10.59 % decline in the removal rate. In contrast, soil settlement positively influenced aniline removal in the gas and aqueous phases, increasing the removal rate by 12.55 % and 5.04 %, respectively, with the gas phase showing the most significant increase. Soil porosity decreased due to soil settlement, leading to a change in the proportion of each phase, with NAPL increasing after remediation. Additionally, soil settlement exhibited hysteresis, as evidenced by a noticeable decrease in the removal rate in the 10th month of the remediation process, and the final mass removal rate was reduced by 5.93 %.

Bokashi And Botanical Pesticides Production Training in Support Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture

Agriculture is an important sector in maintaining food security in a country, including Indonesia. The practice of agricultural activities is very dependent on the environment. Environmentally friendly agricultural practices, also known as organic farming, are currently widely popular, public awareness of the quality of healthy food is the reason why organic farming practices are increasingly in demand. This agricultural practice is related to the recycling of nutrients through plant and livestock waste, as well as other waste which can improve the fertility status and structure of the soil. Community service activities are located in Dlingo Village, Mojosongo District, Boyolali, involving the Mudho Tani livestock group. The method used is providing material regarding the manufacture of organic fertilizer and vegetable pesticides by utilizing materials found in the environment. Organic fertilizer uses cow dung because the majority of the group members are livestock breeders, while vegetable pesticides use spices (ginger, turmeric, mackerel). The practice of making fertilizers and pesticides is carried out to increase the skills of farmers so that they can apply the principles of organic farming. With this service activity, it is hoped that farmers' skills in making organic fertilizers and pesticides can increase and can be applied to agricultural practices. The implementation of an organic farming system is one of the supports for creating a sustainable agriculture.

PESTICIDES AND THEIR PROBLEMS IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Currently, Brazil is the largest consumer of pesticides in the world. Pesticides began to be used in large quantities after the so-called Green Revolution, with the intention of increasing productivity and alleviating the hunger of the population. Some industries dominate the production and sale of pesticides. Discussions are taking place in Brazilian legislation regarding the use of pesticides and the production of similar products. Pesticides are responsible for several environmental problems such as contamination of the soil, water, air and insect mortality, in addition to being the triggering factor of several diseases in humans, due to exposure during application and also associated with the consumption of pesticides foods.

Spatial-temporal distribution and source analysis of atmospheric particulate-bound cadmium from 1998 to 2021 in China.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most serious atmospheric heavy metal pollutants in China. PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particle (TSP) are all important media for population Cd exposure. However, no studies so far have systematically explored the spatial and temporal distribution of atmospheric Cd bound to all these media in China, and the specific industrial sectors that contribute to the airborne Cd level are still unclear at present. In this study, we constructed the spatial and temporal distribution of PM (PM2.5, PM10, and TSP) binding Cd concentrations in China. Quantitative source apportionment of atmospheric Cd was carried out by analyzing the association of 23 industrial or energy-consuming sectors with Cd concentrations. Our results showed PM2.5, PM10, and TSP binding Cd concentrations decreased by 5.8%, 5.9%, and 6.1% per year at the national level, respectively. High PM-Cd concentrations were concentrated and distributed mainly in central and northwestern China. In addition, the medians of atmospheric PM2.5, PM10, and TSP binding Cd concentrations at the national level were 0.0026μg/m3, 0.0036μg/m3, and 0.0042μg/m3, respectively. The main sources of PM-Cd include nonferrous metal smelting (Zn, Pb, Al) (47%), glass production (13%), pesticide production (12%), cement production (10%), and coal consumption (9%). This study analyzes comprehensively the atmospheric PM-bound Cd pollution, identifies the major industrial sectors that affect atmospheric Cd concentrations at the macroscale for the first time, and provides a basis for further reduction in the atmospheric Cd pollution.

Electrocatalytic mechanism of titanium-based anodes and research progress of chemical saline wastewater treatment: A short review

Electrocatalytic treatment of chemical saline wastewater showed great technical advantages due to its characteristics of simple operation, high catalytic efficiency and little secondary pollution. The review takes the classification and composition of titanium-based anodes as the starting point. Typical studies of wastewater treatment by electrocatalytic technology based on free radicals and non-free radicals were also discussed. Combined with the previous researches about electrocatalytic mechanisms in recent years, the mechanisms of titanium-based anodes were analyzed in terms of ·OH, active chlorine and others. The studies on titanium-based anodes in chemical wastewater containing different salt concentrations, such as dye wastewater, coal chemical wastewater, landfill leachate wastewater, fertilizer and pesticide production wastewater, etc., were thoroughly examined. According to the amount of electricity required for the removal of organic matter per unit, the energy consumption of titanium-based anodes for wastewater treatment by electrochemistry was described. The review would provide theoretical basis and technical support for electrocatalytic treatment of chemical saline wastewater.

Carrageenans as biostimulants and bio-elicitors: plant growth and defense responses.

In the context of climate change, the need to ensure food security and safety has taken center stage. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are traditionally used to achieve higher plant productivity and improved plant protection from biotic stresses. However, the widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides has led to significant risks to human health and the environment, which are further compounded by the emissions of greenhouse gases during fertilizer and pesticide production and application, contributing to global warming and climate change. The naturally occurring sulfated linear polysaccharides obtained from edible red seaweeds (Rhodophyta), carrageenans, could offer climate-friendly substitutes for these inputs due to their bi-functional activities. Carrageenans and their derivatives, known as oligo-carrageenans, facilitate plant growth through a multitude of metabolic courses, including chlorophyll metabolism, carbon fixation, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, secondary metabolite generation, and detoxification of reactive oxygen species. In parallel, these compounds suppress pathogens by their direct antimicrobial activities and/or improve plant resilience against pathogens by modulating biochemical changes via salicylate (SA) and/or jasmonate (JA) and ethylene (ET) signaling pathways, resulting in increased production of secondary metabolites, defense-related proteins, and antioxidants. The present review summarizes the usage of carrageenans for increasing plant development and defense responses to pathogenic challenges under climate change. In addition, the current state of knowledge regarding molecular mechanisms and metabolic alterations in plants during carrageenan-stimulated plant growth and plant disease defense responses has been discussed. This evaluation will highlight the potential use of these new biostimulants in increasing agricultural productivity under climate change.

Atividades econômicas relacionadas aos agrotóxicos e ao trabalho: para além da agropecuária

Abstract Introduction farmers are workers known to be exposed to pesticides. However, there are non-agricultural economic activities that are also exposed to these substances. Objective to identify classes of economic activities with potential for occupational exposure to pesticides. Methods the Brazilian National Classification of Economic Activities - CNAE 2.0 was used to identify economic activities related to pesticides, classifying them into agricultural and non-agricultural activities. To resolve inconsistencies, the subclass of CNAE 2.0 and the Brazilian Code of Occupations - CBO 2010 were used. Results 33 classes of economic activities were identified with the potential to expose workers to pesticides, 27 were classes of agricultural activities and six classes of non-agricultural activities. The six classes of economic activities not related to agriculture were (1) the manufacture of pesticides; (2) of sanitizers and disinfectants; (3) of medicines for veterinary use; (4) immunization and urban pest control in the private sector; (5) landscaping activity; (6) the regulation of health activities, education, cultural services and other social services. Conclusion the identification of economic activities not linked to agriculture that expose workers to pesticides allows the improvement of public policies that are inclusive of worker safety and health for the professional categories that comprise them.

Facile synthesis of carbon supported ternary nickel-cobalt-iron nanocatalyst for the hydrodechlorination of 2-chlorophenol

Introduction: Chlorophenols (CPs) have become prevalent in the manufacture of herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes, contributing significantly to water pollution. Addressing this challenge, various treatment methods such as incineration, electrochemistry, photochemistry, biotechnology, and catalytic hydrodechlorination have been explored to reduce toxic chlorophenol contaminants. Hydrodechlorination stands out as an efficient technique for the removal of chlorine atoms. The dispersion of metal nanoparticles on supported materials significantly enhances the catalytic activity by increasing the specific surface area. Among these, carbon-supported nickel-cobalt-iron nanoparticles emerge as promising catalysts for the hydrodechlorination of 2-chlorophenol. Method: This study employs a chemical reduction method at high temperatures under an inert gas atmosphere to synthesize carbon-supported ternary nickel-cobalt-iron nanocatalysts, aiming to detoxify soil and water from pesticide residues. The physicochemical properties of these nanocatalysts were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their catalytic activity was assessed through gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (FID). Results: The analysis revealed that metallic nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the carbon support, with particle sizes ranging from 10 to 60 nm and an average size of 30 nm. The hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) achieved satisfactory conversions under various reaction conditions. Conclusion: The carbon-supported nickel-cobalt-iron nanoparticles demonstrated effective catalytic activity for the hydrodechlorination of 2-chlorophenol, highlighting their potential for application in the treatment of chloroorganic contaminations in the future.

Assessment of rice growers’ exposure to pesticides applied in Kelantan, Malaysia

There is a clear need for more information on occupational exposure to pesticides on smallholder farms in developing countries. This study investigates the exposure of rice growers to pesticides through the use of knapsack/backpack sprayers, a widespread practice in developing countries such as Malaysia. We collected pesticide application information from 23 rice growers using face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. We used the information to predict total daily exposure to individual active substances across a rice-growing season using selected exposure models. We then compared the estimates with toxicity thresholds to determine the potential risks. The 23 rice growers cultivated between 0.6 and 3.8 hectares of rice and applied pesticides on three and 13 spray days across the season, using up to eight active substances on individual days. Individuals had estimated average daily exposures to individual substances between 4.1x10-3 and 1.3x10-1 mg kg-bw-1 day-1, with dermal exposure accounting for 89 – 99.6% of total exposure. Overall, 28% of the 408 applications’ exposure exceeded the toxicity threshold. This was due to highly toxic pesticides and growers not wearing gloves while working. Health risks can be reduced by providing training and information on pesticide product selection and application practices.

Efficacy of Unregulated Minimum Risk Products to Kill and Repel Ticks.

Human-biting ticks threaten public health in the United States. Registration by the Environmental Protection Agency of products to kill host-seeking ticks or repel ticks contacting humans is indicative of their safety and effectiveness. Unregulated minimum risk products, exempt from Environmental Protection Agency registration and often based on botanical oils, are proliferating in the marketplace, but there is concern about their effectiveness to kill and repel ticks. Evaluations of such products are limited in the published literature. A review showed considerable variability among minimum risk products to kill host-seeking blacklegged ticks, with effectiveness similar to chemical pesticide products for some minimum risk products but minimal impact on the ticks for other products. Evaluations of minimum risk tick repellents have typically focused on individual active ingredients rather than formulated products, which often combine multiple active ingredients. Consumers should be aware that effectiveness to kill and repel ticks can differ among unregulated minimum risk products.

Pollution status and health risk assessment of a specific organophosphate pesticide-contaminated site

Organophosphate pesticide pollution is a severe global environmental issue, posing significant threats to human health. This study focuses on an organophosphate pesticide production site in North China. Controlled soil and groundwater were sampled using grid sampling and direct-push technology. Analytical methods such as headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography (GC), and purge and trap GC-MS were employed to detect contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, and heavy metals. The results indicate that the maximum exceedances in the contaminated soil for benzene, xylene, tri-chloromethane, Parathion, phosphorodithioic acid, Phorate, and Terbufos were 490.63, 411.22, 3459.09, 507.89, 277.29, 1946.15, and 281.5 times the standard limits, respectively. In groundwater, benzene, dichloromethane, trichloromethane, and Phorate exceeded the standard limits by 220.83, 1374, 1853.33, and 806.67 times, respectively, severely contaminating the local soil and groundwater and damaging the eco-system. Additionally, the carcinogenic risk values in the contaminated soil for benzene, toluene, phenylethane, xylene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, Parathion, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, tri-chloromethane, naphthalene, and aniline were 2.75E–3, 1.36E–2, 1.034E–2, 9.72E–1, 1.5E–3, 8.9E–3, 1.85E–3, 4E–3, 3.48E–2, 2.7E–2, 1.03E–3, respectively. In groundwater, toluene, xylene, dichloro-methane, and trichloromethane showed carcinogenic risk values of 8E–3, 1.86E–2, 1.23E–2, 3.07E–2, respectively, significantly exceeding the acceptable limits and posing severe threats to the health of nearby residents. Furthermore, the hazard quotient for non-carcinogenic effects of Cypermethrin in soil was 1.15, and 2,6-dichlorophenol in groundwater was 1.22, both slightly above the standard, indicating a mild impact on the health of nearby residents. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for subsequent remediation work at the contaminated site through pollutant analysis.

Current situation and health risk assessment of neonicotinoids insecticides in urban indoor dust from Ha Noi, Viet Nam

In the several decades, although neonicotinoids insecticides (typically imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) are widely used and account for 24 % of the total global pesticide production, they still have negative impacts on natural enemies such as kinds of bees as well as adversely affect human health. However, there are only a few studies evaluating the levels of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in airborne environments including indoor dust. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution, concentration and health risk to human of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in indoor dust samples collected from 6 inner districts of Hanoi. Imidacloprid was found in indoor dust samples at all samples with an average concentration of 0.079 µg/g (ranging from 0.028 to 0.216 µg/g, the detection frequency of 100 %). Meanwhile, the mean concentration of thiamethoxam was revealed lower than imidacloprid at 0.013 µg/g (ranging from 0.01 to 0.027 µg/g, the detection frequency of 60 %). In high-end exposure, based on the measured concentrations, daily intake doses (IDs) of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were calculated to be 9.96 × 10-1 and 1.10 × 10-2 ng/kg-bw/day for adults, and 1.78 and 1.98 × 10-1 ng/kg-bw/day for children, respectively. The estimated values of hazard quotient (HQ) of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were 1.75 × 10-6 and 9.20 × 10-7 ng/kg-bw/day for adults, and 3.13 × 10-5 and 1.65 × 10-5 ng/kg-bw/day for children, respectively. All HQ and HI values of the insecticides were less than 1 for both of adults and children, indicating the potential adverse effects to human health are negligible.

Analysis of the chemical crop protection market in Russia

The research is devoted to the analysis of the current state of chemical crop protection market in Russia. Significant industry growth has occurred in last decade due to the attractiveness of agriculture as an export-oriented industry. Russian agricultural products are in stable demand all over the world. Countries in the Middle East, South-Eastern Asia and Africa with constantly growing population rely on foodstuff import, including from the Russian Federation. Thus, country makes a significant contribution in a global food security. However, in order to develop and increase competitiveness, Russian farmers need to intensify crop production. One of technological improvement elements, which let growers to get sufficient yield and quality, is application of innovative chemical crop protection products. Pesticides help farmers struggle with crop diseases, pests and weeds, as well as minimize adverse climate factors in some cases. Agrochemicals market in Russia is represented not only by foreign players, but by domestic manufacturers as well. Market share of these two groups in value terms of market players is approximately equal. However, it’s worth mentioning, that like in many other industries, this sector is heavily dependent on import inputs. Major part of components for local pesticide production are imported and key technological process is constrained as a type of mixing necessary inputs in proper way. Domestic business, together with Russian Government and, probably, in cooperation with some international players, needs to solve the problem of deepening the production cycle, look for stimulus for development of the entire production chain in the long-term perspective, including development of fundamental science in chemical crop protection industry. Learning and adapting foreign experience can be the first step in the process of structural change of the crop protection industry. Simultaneously, it is critical to maintain openness and desire to use best practices at pesticide market, without which the competitiveness of Russian agricultural production will be constrained and development of the entire industry will have a pace inferior to other countries.

Machine Learning Modeling Based on Microbial Community for Prediction of Natural Attenuation in Groundwater.

Natural attenuation is widely adopted as a remediation strategy, and the attenuation potential is crucial to evaluate whether remediation goals can be achieved within the specified time. In this work, long-term monitoring of indigenous microbial communities as well as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) in groundwater was conducted at a historic pesticide manufacturing site. A machine learning approach for natural attenuation prediction was developed with random forest classification (RFC) followed by either random forest regression (RFR) or artificial neural networks (ANNs), utilizing microbiological information and contaminant attenuation rates for model training and cross-validation. Results showed that the RFC could accurately predict the feasibility of natural attenuation for both BTEX and CAHs, and it could successfully identify the key genera. The RFR model was sufficient for the BTEX natural attenuation rate prediction but unreliable for CAHs. The ANN model showed better performance in the prediction of the attenuation rates for both BTEX and CAHs. Based on the assessments, a composite modeling method of RFC and ANN was proposed, which could reduce the mean absolute percentage errors. This study reveals that the combined machine learning approach under the synergistic use of field microbial data has promising potential for predicting natural attenuation.

Life cycle assessment perspective on waste resource utilization and sustainable development: A case of glyphosate production

The growing demand for pesticide manufacturing and increasing public awareness of sustainable development, have let to urgent requirements for a refined environmental management framework. It is imperative to conduct process-based life cycle assessments (LCAs) to promote clean and environment-friendly technologies. Herein, the cradle-to-gate LCA of glyphosate production was executed as an example to investigate crucial production factors (materials or energy) and multiple environmental impacts during the production processes. Results showed that methanol caused the highest environmental damage in terms of toxicity, with a normalized value of 85.7 × 10−8, followed by coal-fired electricity in 6.00 × 10−8. Furthermore, optimized schemes were proposed, including energy improvement (electricity generated by switching from coal-fired power to solar power) and wastewater targeted conversion. Regarding the normalization results before and after optimization, the latter showed more significant results with the normalized value decreasing by 21.10 × 10−8, while that of the former only decreased by 6.50 × 10−8. This study provides an integrated LCA framework for organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) from upstream control and offers an important supplement to managing the key pollution factors and control links of the OP industry. Moreover, it reveals the positive influence of optimized schemes in facilitating cleaner production technologies, thus ultimately promoting new methodologies for resource recycling.

A potential antifungal agent: Insight into the antifungal mechanism against Phomopsis sp

19 myricetin derivatives containing thiazole were designed and synthesized. Their fungicidal activities in vitro against ten species of plant pathogenic fungi were evaluated. Bioassay results indicated that some of compounds exhibited remarkable antifungal activities. Among them, Z17 showed the strongest antifungal activity against Phomopsis sp, with in vitro EC50 of 12.3 µg/mL, which was superior to those of the control drug azoxystrobin (32.2 µg/mL) and fluopyram (77.7 µg/mL). In addition, Z18 also had the inhibitory activity against the Alternaria brassicae, with an EC50 value of 32.5 µg/mL, which was much higher than azoxystrobin (49.3 µg/mL). Z17 exhibited good protective activity (62.5 %) against Phomopsis sp on kiwifruit in vivo at 200 µg/mL. The results of in vivo experiments revealed that Z18 could effectively defend against the infestation of cabbage by Alternaria brassicae, and improve the protection ability of the crop. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) demonstrated that Z17 could destroy the integrity of cell membrane of pathogen Phomopsis sp, thus affecting the normal growth of mycelia. The results of the mechanism research further confirmed that the action of Z17 changed the mycelial morphology of Phomopsis sp, affected the permeability of cells, increased the leakage of cytoplasm and MDA contents. Molecular docking simulation results revealed that compound Z17 could readily bind with the active site of SDH and could be a potential SDH inhibitor. In summary, this study provides new ideas for effectively controlling plant fungal diseases and developing new green chemical pesticide products.

Immobilizing white-rot fungi laccase: Towardbio-derived supports as a circular economy approach in organochlorine removal.

Despite their high persistence in the environment, organochlorines (OC) are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, in plastics, and in the manufacture of pesticides, among other applications. These compounds and the byproducts of their decomposition deserve attention and efficient proposals for their treatment. Among sustainable alternatives, the use of ligninolytic enzymes (LEs) from fungi stands out, as these molecules can catalyze the transformation of a wide range of pollutants. Among LEs, laccases (Lac) are known for their efficiency as biocatalysts in the conversion of organic pollutants. Their application in biotechnological processes is possible, but the enzymes are often unstable and difficult to recover after use, driving up costs. Immobilization of enzymes on a matrix (support or solid carrier) allows recovery and stabilization of this catalytic capacity. Agricultural residual biomass is a passive environmental asset. Although underestimated and still treated as an undesirable component, residual biomass can be used as a low-cost adsorbent and as a support for the immobilization of enzymes. In this review, the adsorption capacity and immobilization of fungal Lacon supports made from residual biomass, including compounds such as biochar, for the removal of OC compounds are analyzed and compared with the use of synthetic supports. A qualitative and quantitative comparison of the reported results was made. In this context, the use of peanut shells is highlighted in view of the increasing peanut production worldwide. The linkage of methods with circular economy approaches that can be applied in practice is discussed.

Peningkatan Keterampilan Budidaya Tanaman Organik melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Pestisida Nabati dan Pupuk Kompos

The majority of residents in Punggur Kapuas are engaged in farming, primarily in horticulture and food crops, making agriculture a pivotal economic sector in the region. However, a significant issue has been the heavy reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which not only pose environmental risks but also indicate a lack of knowledge regarding sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. The continuous use of chemical inputs has led to soil and water pollution, as well as disruptions to the natural ecosystem. To combat these challenges, this initiative focuses on training and educating farmers in the production of natural botanical pesticides and organic compost. The project encompasses needs analysis, collaborative design, outreach and training, monitoring, and financial analysis to compare the costs of natural alternatives with chemical inputs. The training component covers two main aspects: the production of botanical pesticides using readily available natural materials such as papaya leaves and garlic, and the creation of organic compost from organic waste. Compost production has a host of benefits, including improved soil fertility and reduced dependence on harmful chemical fertilizers. The method used is by counseling, discussion and direct practice in the field. The outcomes of this initiative include enhanced knowledge and skills among the farming community in Punggur Kapuas regarding the creation of safe and environmentally friendly botanical pesticides, a reduction in the use of chemical pesticides, increased productivity of organic crops, and heightened awareness of the importance of sustainable farming practices. The project has already demonstrated positive impacts, with participants gaining practical expertise in botanical pesticide and compost production. The initiative aims to encourage the adoption of organic farming practices and environmental sustainability, thereby benefiting the local economy and ecosystem. Future efforts may include extension activities, active mentoring, and supplementary skills training to further advance organic crop cultivation and promote sustainability in local agriculture.

Copper oxide nanoparticles: an effective suppression tool against bacterial leaf blight of rice and its impacts on plants.

To address the challenges of food security for the ever-increasing population, the emergence of nanotechnology provides an alternate technology of choice for the production of safer pesticides which serves as a substitute for conventional fertilizer. The antidrug resistance of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and build-up of chemicals in the environment has made it necessary to find alternative safe techniques for effective disease management. Hence, in this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were produced by green synthesis using a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flower extract. The characterization of CuONPs using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectrum profile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction ascertained the presence of CuONPs, which were nanorods of 28.1 nm. CuONPs significantly obstructed the growth and biofilm development of Xoo by 79.65% and 79.17% respectively. The antibacterial mechanism of CuONPs was found to result from wounding the cell membrane, giving rise to an exodus of intracellular content and generation of oxidative reactive oxygen species that invariably inhibited Xoo respiration and growth. A toxicity study under greenhouse conditions revealed that CuONPs significantly increased growth variables and the biomass of rice, and reduced bacterial leaf blight. Application of CuONPs on Arabidopsis improved the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters; the ΦPSII was significantly increased by 152.05% in comparison to the control. Altogether, these results suggest that CuONPs in low concentration (200.0 μg mL-1 ) are not toxic to plants and can serve as nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.