Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has been granted a patent for the invention of a
moisture-responsive nanocomposite-based herbicide and its method of preparation. The
patentees are Ms. Jakku Prasanna, Dr. S. Marimuthu, Mr. Golla Gowtham and Dr.
Kadhiravan Shanmuganathan.
Chemical weed control plays an important role in modern agriculture. Atrazine is
widely used to control weeds in crops such as sorghum, corn and sugarcane. It works by
blocking electron transport in photosystem II, which stops photosynthesis in weeds.
However, atrazine can persist in the soil and move beyond the target area, leading to
groundwater contamination, especially in irrigated systems. In rainfed farming, herbicide
effectiveness depends heavily on rainfall. Low rainfall can cause volatilization, while
excessive rainfall can result in leaching, both of which reduce weed control efficiency.
To address these challenges, a nano-encapsulated atrazine formulation was developed.
In irrigated systems, this formulation reduces environmental pollution. In rainfed conditions,
atrazine capsules applied at sowing are protected from evaporation, light and microbial
degradation until rainfall occurs. Once it rains, the herbicide is released gradually, effectively
targeting emerging weeds.
This novel delivery system uses a guar gum–cellulose nanocomposite with borax as a
crosslinking agent. The formulation achieved an entrapment efficiency of 91.5%. The
released atrazine showed a slower and more controlled release pattern compared to
conventional atrazine, resulting in improved weed control and reduced environmental
impact.The Patent Cell of the School of Postgraduate Studies helped with the entire patent
process from drafting the documents to filing them and working with the patent attorney
Dry Flower Arrangement and Bouquet Preparation
ABOUT THE TRAINING To foster a business-minded attitude towards the dry flower industry and impart
September 25, 2024
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