Scientists at India's National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have developed an environment-friendly controlled release formulation system for applying agrochemicals in agricultural fields. 

How did the system develop? 

The system has been developed by blending sugarcane bagasse with gelatinized maize starch and urea formaldehyde to form nanocomposite granules.  As a model system, the researchers have encapsuled Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), an insect repellent and ecto-parasiticide, within the granules. Various natural polymers like starch, gelatin, natural rubber, and synthetic polymers such as polyurea, polyurethane, poly vinyl alcohol, and epoxy resins are employed to prepare these systems.  

How it will be Beneficial? 

It's controlled release is Environment-friendly. Over the years, overuse of pesticides is posing a major hazard to human health and environment.  In recent times, a solution has been found in the form of controlled release formulation systems. Such systems help prolong the release of the pesticide over a desired time period and help to reach the target sites in a focused manner. This enhances crop yield and reduces environmental pollution. 

The growing problem of micro-plastic pollution has made it necessary to focus more on producing controlled release systems based on biodegradable microcapsules from sustainable feed stocks.