Research uses nanotechnology to increase herbicide efficiency in corn cultivation

Nanoencapsulation of atrazine enhances the action of the active ingredient without compromising the tolerance of plants

Corn is one of the main agricultural crops in Brazil, with annual production varying according to climatic and management factors. For the 2024/25 crop, the National Supply Company (Conab) estimates a production of around 126.9 million tons. The estimated amount reflects the growth in productivity in recent years, driven by the expansion of the second crop, the use of genetically modified seeds, and the adoption of technologies such as no-till farming, even in the face of variable climatic conditions. Despite the evolution in cultivation, one of the main challenges for corn production remains the management of weeds. These compete for light, water, and nutrients, thereby affecting the development of the crop. To minimize losses, the first 10 to 15 days after plant emergence are defined as the critical period of competition. Thus, in these early days, it is necessary to control the presence of weed plants efficiently to ensure healthy growth and maximum yield of the crop. To ...