Particle Film Coverage Alters the Volatile Chemical Emission of Plants
B. Lira, M. Tavera, H. Agustin, K. Fukazawa, A. Gapuz, J. Wise, D. Amalin, and J. Janairo (13-23)
Abstract
Pesticide application plays a critical role in ensuring agricultural productivity by minimizing crop losses due to infestations. However, there are long-term negative effects associated with this practice, prompting the need to develop greener and more sustainable alternatives. A promising alternative is particle film technology using kaolin clay. A suspension of kaolin clay in water is applied through a spray coating technique in which it forms a thin film on the surface of the substrate that serves as a protective barrier for plants and fruit crops. This protective barrier is known to deter pests through feeding and visual obstruction. In this study, we present preliminary evidence to suggest that particle film coverage not only acts as a physical barrier but also suppresses or masks volatile emissions from plants. Our study analyzed the effects of particle film coverage on the volatile chemical profile of a model plant, Garcinia mangostana. It was found that particle film coverage suppresses volatile chemical emissions as analyzed through solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The observed volatile suppression can be attributed to the fine and extensive coverage of the particle film on the plant surface.