Walloon Agricultural Research Centre

The main objective of the BIORELEACIDE project is the development of bio-sourced formulations with different controlled release rates of phytosanitary agents. These systems will be based on mixtures of hydrophilic or hydrophobic nanoparticles and microparticles, and their relative proportions in the formulations will make it possible to easily adapt the release profile to the characteristics of the PP (Phytosanitary Products) formulated, to the needs of the crop and to the targeted bioaggressors.

Several phytosanitary agents will be studied for encapsulation in these formulations:

(i) a synthetic root herbicide currently used in the form of a CS formulation (suspension of capsules based on polymers from the petrochemical industry),
(ii) a bioherbicide,
(iii) a fungicide based on plant extract and
(iv) a synthetic insecticide.

The project will aim to develop a 100% bio-based encapsulated formulation that is effective, safer and an alternative to current CS formulations based on petroleum-based products.

The objective of the developed formulation will be to limit soil pollution by microplastics, limit the degradation of active substances, prolong their activity over time and ultimately reduce the quantity of phytosanitary products (PP) to be applied and/or the frequency of application (Celabor).

In order to develop an effective formulation that respects users and soil life, our project will study, for the selected PPs, the release profile of innovative formulations in silico and in soil conditions, in comparison with conventional formulations (CRA-W).

The impact of the formulated phytosanitary agents on the soil microbiota will also be studied, in comparison with conventional formulations (ULIEGE). Finally, the effectiveness of the formulated phytosanitary agents will be tested under controlled conditions (CRA-W).