Tehran - The Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO) has successfully developed a microemulsion plant-based pesticide using eucalyptus essential oil, marking a significant step in controlling pistachio psylla infestations.

 

The innovation demonstrated 91% effectiveness while reducing chemical pesticide use by 30%, offering a sustainable solution to protect Iran’s pistachio orchards and strengthen exports to global markets, according to a report carried by the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

Researchers successfully mastered the technical production of this microemulsion plant-based pesticide, providing an effective alternative to chemical pesticides and contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture, it added.

 

Technical, financial, and economic assessments indicate that approximately 7% of the country’s total pesticide usage is dedicated to controlling pistachio psylla. Implementing this technology could significantly reduce chemical use and generate substantial economic savings for farmers and the agricultural sector.

 

The developed formulation is also suitable for commercialization and industrial production, offering a low-risk, environmentally friendly pesticide. Field evaluations in Kerman, Yazd, and Razavi Khorasan provinces, key pistachio-producing regions, confirmed the high efficacy of the plant-based pesticide across different climatic conditions, the report said.