Development of a biocompatible nanoemulsion based on eucalyptus essential oil for the management of Agonoscena pistaciae: A novel approach for promoting food safety in the health supply chain
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Agonoscena pistaciae is the most important pest of Iranian pistachio orchards, and its chemical control raises concerns about pesticide residues in food. This study developed a biocompatible nanoemulsion based on Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (Artemizia Eco®) as a plant-based alternative to synthetic pesticides. Methods: An oil-in-water nanoemulsion was prepared using eucalyptus essential oil, a biocompatible polymer, polyethylene glycol, and suitable surfactants. The chemical profile of the essential oil was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Particle size and distribution were examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and stability was assessed for 18 weeks at 30°C. Acute toxicological safety and bioassay were evaluated, efficacy was assessed under field conditions at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Centers of Yazd and Kerman Provinces, and the residues of the target chemical pesticides were measured. Results: 1,8-cineol was the dominant component of the essential oil (44%). The eucalyptus-based formulation (EW 13%) had a particle size of 91 nm, a dispersion index of 0.183, and maintained complete emulsion stability for 18 weeks. The oral and dermal LD₅₀ were >2000 and 2309 mg/kg, respectively, with slight eye and skin irritation. The contact LC₅₀ of the formulation was 2935 ppm. Under field conditions, application at 3000 ppm resulted in efficacies of 92%, 91%, 88%, and 84% on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 after foliar application, respectively, which was significantly higher than phosalone (EC 35%) (77.8%) on day 21. No residues of the assessed synthetic pesticides were detected on the crop. Conclusion: The biocompatible nanoemulsion of eucalyptus essential oil (Artemizia Eco®) showed high efficacy and favorable safety in this study, and no residues of the assessed pesticides were detected under the study conditions. These findings suggest that the formulation may serve as a promising plant-based alternative to synthetic pesticides in the integrated management of Agonoscena pistaciae, with the potential to reduce dietary exposure to pesticide residues and support food safety in pistachio production.
Source: Social Determinants of Health
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204641460