(652e) Biodegradable Seed Wraps for Sustained Release of Pesticides for Crop Protection in Sub Saharan Africa

Plant parasitic nematodes(PPNs) are one of the major constraints on yield and production of food crops throughout the world. While abamectin has broad nematicidal activity, its poor mobility in soils compromises its efficiency against nematode infestation. Using abamectin as a model pesticide, we present an innovative and cost effective approach for crop protection from PPNs, using a lignocellulosic matrix ‘wrap and plant’ methodology. In our ‘wrap and plant’ approach, we have used abamectin loaded matrices as wraps for seeds to be planted in the soil. To better understand the effect of various processing parameters and nature of the pulp on final properties of the matrix, we have produced lignocellulose matrices using pulp refined at various time intervals. Resulting hand sheets are characterized by the controlled release of abamectin which is incorporated into the matrices through sorption. Pulp refining time as well as various physical and chemical properties of the matrix are found to affect its tendency to let the germinating roots penetrate it and also the release rate of abamectin. We perceive that by varying refining time of the pulp, we can obtain matrices that facilitate in slow and sustained release of abamectin which results in long term nematicide protection to the growing plant roots. We have used these results to develop pilot scale paper rolls which are currently used in field trials in various regions of Africa and initial field trials demonstrate promising results regarding better crop protection in nematode infested soils in Benin and Kenya.