Environmentally friendly pesticides: Essential oil-based w/o/w multiple emulsions for anti-fungal formulations

In this study, we have used the essential oils Eucalyptus (E), Linalool (L) and Marjoram (M) to prepare several formulations of w/o/w double emulsion type. Span 80 and Tween 80 were the lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsifiers, respectively, with xanthan gum as thickener. Successful formulations showed stability at room temperature and 4 °C for 30 days. These formulations showed also water-dilution tolerance, and retained more than 70% of electrolyte included in the internal aqueous phase. Pesticide activity of the used oils against four fungi has been remarkably increased, based on the value of EC50, upon using in the form of w/o/w double emulsion. We have recorded up to 70% loss in required EC50 in most cases. The absence of organic solvents, unlike many common pesticide formulations, the aqueous pool embracing the environmentally safe oils and the property of controlled electrolyte release make such formulations attractive to be the subject of further more detailed studies.