β-Cyclodextrin/eucalyptol inclusion complex for improved postharvest date moth control

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Entomology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Pesticide use poses environmental and health risks, necessitating alternative pest control methods.
• Eucalyptol, a natural compound, shows potential for controlling the date moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae).
• Eucalyptol's volatility limits its application; encapsulation in cyclodextrins (CDs) addresses this.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of cyclodextrin-encapsulated eucalyptol against the date moth.
• To investigate the controlled release properties of eucalyptol from cyclodextrin complexes.
• To assess the potential of this encapsulation strategy for developing novel biopesticides.

Main Methods:

• Determined retention and formation constants of cyclodextrin/eucalyptol inclusion complexes.
• Prepared solid inclusion complexes (powder and pellets) using varying molar ratios.
• Conducted release studies under different environmental conditions (humidity, water immersion).
• Assessed fumigant insecticidal activity against Ectomyelois ceratoniae larvae.

Main Results:

• Cyclodextrins efficiently encapsulated eucalyptol, with a 1:1 molar ratio showing optimal encapsulation (79%) and loading (135 mg/g).
• Pellets demonstrated slower eucalyptol release compared to powders.
• Immersion in water significantly enhanced fumigant activity, adult emergence inhibition, and persistence of the encapsulated eucalyptol.

Conclusions:

• Cyclodextrin encapsulation facilitates controlled release of eucalyptol, enhancing its fumigation efficacy against date moths.
• This strategy offers a valuable approach for developing effective biopesticides with reduced environmental loss and extended activity.
• The findings support the use of cyclodextrin-encapsulated eucalyptol as a sustainable pest management solution.