Controlled release of biologically active agents for purposes of agricultural crop management

• Published in: Resources, conservation and recycling conservation and recycling, 1996, Vol.16 (1), p.289-320
• Main Authors: Mogul, Marc Gregory, Akin, Hanife, Hasirci, Nesrin, Trantolo, Debra J., Gresser, Joseph D., Wise, Donald L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agrochemical; Herbicide; Pesticide; Plastic
• ISSN: 0921-3449; 1879-0658
• DOI: 10.1016/0921-3449(95)00063-1

Increasing attention is being directed to reducing the amount of pesticides, herbicides, and other biologically active agents used in modern agricultural crop management. One method for reducing the amount of such agents, while still maintaining effectiveness, is to encapsulate or otherwise incorporate the active agent into some from of plastic. Such ‘filled’ plastics, usually prepared by certain techniques for standard broadcast methods used in agriculture, may be sprayed, dusted, or spread as needed. By being incorporated into the plastic, the active agent diffuses slowly, but continuously, from the plastic matrix. It has been found in numerous instances that this use of controlled release delivery systems results in using less amount of the active agent. Further, with increasing attention being directed toward biologicals, rather than organic chemicals, for use in crop management, this incorporation of the biologicals into plastic serves the role of protection of the biological, as well as providing for slow release. One method of preparing an encapsulated polymeric controlled release system will be reviewed in depth, as well as field results.