Plant essential oil sustained-release pellets for efficient elimination of pests

The extensive use of chemical pesticides has led to serious environmental concerns, highlighting the need for innovative pest control strategies that combine high efficiency with ecological sustainability. Plant essential oils (EOs), as natural and effective alternatives, hold great potential to replace conventional pesticides. However, their application is hindered by limitations such as burst release and short residual activity. In this study, EOs were encapsulated within a sodium alginate/polyethylene glycol diacrylate (SA/PEGDA) matrix to achieve sustained release. The resulting slow-release pellets (SRPs) exhibited optimal morphology and performance, effectively overcoming the issue of poor persistence commonly associated with EOs. The sustained-release period extended beyond 60 days. Application tests, demonstrated that SRPs efficiently eliminated pests, influenced their behavioral responses, and provided effective plant protection. Continuous low-dose exposure reduced adult longevity by 1.22 days, shortened oviposition period by 2.62 days, and decreased fecundity by 96.44 eggs, significantly affecting key life-history parameters. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified several active compounds in the SRPs, suggesting that stable, sustained-release components play a crucial role in pest suppression. This study provides valuable insights into the development of eco-friendly and efficient EO-based formulations, contributing to the advancement of sustainable pest management and green pesticides. • Green pesticide efficacy was significantly enhanced through material innovation. • Concurrent behavioral-lifespan intervention redefines sustainable pest management frameworks. • GC-MS analysis reveals sustained release dynamics and bioactive constituents in green pesticides. • Plant-based pesticide innovation catalyses SDG-compliant agricultural transformation.