Biodegradable Lignocellulosic Matrices and Cellulose Derived Particulate Dispersions for Controlling Fungal Pathogens and Plant Parasitic Nematodes of Vegetable Crops

Vegetable crops are subject to a myriad of soilborne (fungal and plant parasitic nematode (PPN)) and foliar (fungal) diseases, which are exacerbated by low water conditions and seriously constrain production and food security. So far, chemical control agents are considered the most effective and economically robust method to control these diseases. However, wide-scale application of agricultural chemicals can impact the environment, non-target effects, and sustainability over time. Incorporating active ingredients (AI) into biodegradable matrices allows for the effective distribution of crop protection agents without interfering with farming practices. In this regard, shelf-stable and highly porous paper-like lignocellulosic matrices (LCM) developed from plant biomass extracted from agriculture waste can be applied at the point of planting using the concept of “wrap and plant” (W&P) via wrapping the seedlings/seed pieces with agrochemical AI-loaded LCM. The localization of AI, absorbed directly or embedded in the paper, explicitly targets pathogens versus beneficial organisms. Biodegradable particulate polymer carriers are another sustainable agrochemical delivery platform via foliar applications and seed/seedling treatments. Aqueous dispersions of cellulose esters-based particles with tunable morphology have demonstrated the controlled release of AIs. These particles can be tailored according to the environment and nature of AI and crops. While the controlled release profile of the cellulose ester particles will facilitate the timely release of AI, the biodegradable nature of cellulose ester particles guarantees minimal negative impact on plant or soil health. The proposed research aims to develop materials for the controlled release of pesticides and other AIs based on two approaches: i) ‘W&P’, and ii) AI-loaded particles for the protection of vegetable crops that are important for Qatar’s food security against soilborne fungal pathogens and PPNs. Qatar and the US research team will design, fabricate, and tailor the formulations to Qatar’s conditions and agriculture practices. Moreover, the research teams will closely collaborate with the Department of Agriculture Research at the Ministry of Municipality and Arab Qatari Agricultural Production Co. to test these materials in greenhouses. These developed technologies’ socioeconomic and environmental impact will be analyzed via life-cycle assessment. A commercialization roadmap of the most promising technology among the tested approaches will be created. We anticipate these experiments will lead to the deployment of enhanced pest management of vegetable crops in Qatar, leading to increased yield and quality of vegetable crops and reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with the over-use of pesticides.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)