Desenvolvimento de sistemas biocompósitos baseados em polímeros biodegradáveis para liberação controlada do feromônio rincoforol

Abstract

Cantophorol (2-methyl-5 (E) heptene-4-ol) is the largest constituent of the male aggregation pheromone of Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionity), a beetle that attacks several palm species and is the main vector. of the nematode Bursaphelenchus cocophylus, causative agent of red ring disease. In Brazil, this beetle mainly attacks the coconut the oil palm and acai tree, crops of great economic relevance. The use of traps containing pheromone baits has been increasingly employed in pest control in agriculture. For its application a constant release of the active is required during the insect capture period. Cantophorol has been used in eppendorf-type baits with a hole in the lid to control the beetle population. However, the validity of these baits depends on the evaporation rate of rincophorol through the device, which releases excessive amount of pheromone. The aim of the study was to develop a system in which the pheromone is diffusely and controlled released through the zeolite Y, activated carbon, starch and poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate), PBAT activated carbon at 20 membranes. % produced by extrusion. Permeation studies of rincophorol across Y zeolite, activated carbon and starch membranes and pellets showed lower pheromone release rates compared to commercially available systems. Thus, they provided increased pheromone life, possibly resulting in lower cost of baits for the farmer and lower environmental impact. The studies carried out in this work allowed to select the activated carbon PBAT membrane, with great commercial potential, as a releasing device of cantoophorol for an extended period allowing greater protection to the pheromone in relation to the physical and chemical factors.