Cyclodextrins in Pesticides

Many synthetic pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) can be complexed with cyclodextrins. This “molecular encapsulation” frequently results in advantageous modifications of the properties of complexed substances.

• a) The hydrophilicity is strongly reduced, i. e. wettability, rate of dissolution and extent of solubility is enhanced, which generally results in enhanced bioavailability.
• b) Volatile, liquid, and gaseous substances, or substances of intolerable stink can be converted into microcrystalline, stable, well formulable substances.
• c) Incompatible substances can be mixed when at least one of the reacting components is complexed.
• d) The selectivity between herbivorous/non-herbivorous insects toxicity can be enhanced.
• e) CD-complexes are per se micronized substances, they are easily dispergable, no electric charging was observed.
• f) Long lasting effect can be ensured (e. g. in soil) because the complexed substances are released only on contacting with water.
• f) Cyclodextrins exert a direct auxin-like effect on plants therefore phytotoxic effect of pesticides can be reduced, etc.

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