Biodegradable Mulching Film with Citronella Oil Protects Plants

The American Chemical Society published peer-reviewed research results in ACS Agricultural Science & Technology on a new, biodegradable plastic mulch film containing citronella oil. Researchers tested a plant-based cellulose acetate plastic film infused with citronella oil to see how well it protected strawberry plants from silverleaf whitefly. “This research shows that it is possible to protect crops using biodegradable materials that reduce both pesticide use and plastic pollution. Our goal is to bring farmers closer to safer and more sustainable agricultural practices,” explains Camila Gil, the corresponding author of the study.