Biopesticide formulations of karanj and castor oil using soapnut

Abstract

The study is aimed to formulate the emulsions of nonedible oils using biobased surfactant for agrochemical application. The development of “biopesticides” is very promising as they can minimize the adverse effects caused by synthetic chemical pesticides. The stable emulsions of karanj and castor oil were prepared by using soapnut extract which act as a nonionic surfactant. The selected stable formulations were characterized with respect to physicochemical properties such as viscosity, surface tension, pH and particle size. The stability of formulated oil-based emulsion was observed for 24 hat 30 ± 0.5 °C. Rheological characterization of the stable emulsions show the pseudoplastic flow behavior. The individual, as well as a combination of emulsions, were tested for larvicidal activity and proved to be effective against different species of mosquitos.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Karanj oil
• castor oil
• o/w emulsion
• larvicidal activity
• rheology