Biodegradable and Partially Biobased Active Plastic Film for Sustainable Crop Protection
Résumé
Crop pests, particularly aphids, cause significant yield and economic losses. Conventional pest control using synthetic pesticides is becoming less effective due to increasing pest resistance and poses risks to human health and the environment. Another approach involves using plastic films and nets as physical barriers against insects. However, these materials are fossil-based and nonbiodegradable, contributing to severe plastic pollution. Here, we designed a biodegradable active plastic film based on poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) and plant essential oils (EOs) for sustainable control of pea aphid on crops. PBSA films containing basil, spearmint, peppermint, and Chinese cinnamon EOs at concentrations from 1 to 5 wt. % were prepared by melt extrusion. EOs were successfully incorporated into the PBSA matrix with good thermal and chemical stability. The thermal and physical properties of neat PBSA were maintained, while ductility improved, with deformability increasing by 25% with basil, spearmint, and peppermint EOs, and by 75% with cinnamon EO. Moreover, PBSA/EO blends showed strong repellency against pea aphids in choice tests, with aphid fixation on the control side ranging from 80 to 90% with basil, spearmint, and peppermint EOs, and 90-100% with cinnamon EO. These findings offer new prospects for biodegradable active films in sustainable crop protection.