Can essential oils offer an alternative to synthetic pesticides – and can we deliver them to plants more efficiently and safely?
A new study conducted in our Faculty laboratories applies a principle well known from the world of drug delivery: using a tiny carrier to deliver active compounds where they are needed.
PhD candidate Hanan Abu Hamad, from Prof. Ester Segal’s laboratory, developed aqueous dispersions of halloysite nanotubes loaded with essential oils. The nanotubes act as a delivery system, enabling the oils to be dispersed in water, efficiently delivering their active compounds while minimizing damage to the plant.
The system demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against three major groups of agricultural threats: bacteria, fungi, and insect pests.
This approach could provide the basis for a new generation of sustainable crop-protection solutions, using naturally derived active compounds while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. The research was conducted in collaboration with Nadav Pass and Dr. Eyal Klein from Hishtil, as well as Assoc. Prof. Guy Mechrez and his research team.
This is what the future of crop protection looks like when nature, nanotechnology, and research excellence come together.
Congratulations to Hanan on the publication and on research that connects advanced science with one of the major challenges facing modern agriculture.
Read the full paper:
