Scientists are continuously exploring innovative ways to utilize waste from medicinal cannabis production. Their latest focus is on transforming these by-products into sustainable, biological pesticides to combat diseases affecting olive trees. These efforts align with broader objectives of promoting environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
The promise of cannabis by-products
In the sphere of medicinal cannabis production, much attention is given to the flowers of the plant due to their therapeutic benefits. However, the leaves, stems, and roots are often discarded despite containing potentially valuable compounds. This discarded biomass can be repurposed, offering a promising resource for the development of green solutions in agriculture.
The project spearheaded by researchers at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa aims to harness these cannabis residues. By extracting bioactive compounds using green solvents—a less toxic alternative made from renewable resources—they hope to create effective biopesticides. A significant advantage of this method is its alignment with sustainability processes, minimizing environmental impact.
Utilizing green solvents
Green solvents, or deep eutectic solvents, are key to this extraction process. These advanced liquid solutions originate from natural molecules, presenting environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional organic solvents. Unlike conventional methods, green solvents do not pose significant health hazards, contributing to safer and more sustainable extraction practices.
Ana Rita Duarte from the Laboratory for Green Chemistry emphasizes that incorporating such sustainable technologies can revolutionize how we approach agricultural pest control. The project’s main goal is to determine whether unused parts of the cannabis plant could offer chemical defenses against specific pathogens that harm olive crops.
Combatting olive tree diseases
Among the foremost enemies of olive cultivation are gafa and tuberculosis. Gafa, a disease caused by fungal infections, poses severe risks to crop yields and quality. It threatens not only economic interests but also the genetic diversity of native olive varieties, some of which are highly susceptible to this ailment.
Tuberculosis in olive trees results from bacterial invasions in wounds on trunks or branches, leading to tumor formation. Addressing these two diseases is crucial for maintaining healthy olive groves and ensuring the long-term viability of olive oil production.
Sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides
The current market contains primarily chemically synthesized pesticides to counteract these diseases. However, their effectiveness is dwindling, and there’s an increasing push towards regulatory reduction, as advocated by the European Commission, which has proposed halving the use of traditional pesticides by 2030.
This shift underscores the urgency for developing reliable alternatives. Biopesticides derived from cannabis by-products represent one such innovative solution. Cristina Azevedo from the department of new biological pesticides supports this initiative, recognizing its potential contribution to meeting biodiversity targets and reducing chemical pesticide usage.
Pushing forward with green innovations
The expansion of the medicinal cannabis industry provides a timely opportunity to tap into underutilized plant materials. Projects like ValorCannBio, involving partners like GreenBePharma and AGR Global, exemplify this drive toward ecologically sound pest management strategies. By leveraging the by-products of cannabis cultivation, they aim to address pressing agricultural challenges while adhering to stringent environmental goals set by the European Union.
Overall, the movement toward using cannabis by-products in biopesticide production symbolizes a significant advancement in agricultural science. It offers a glimpse into a future where agricultural practices align closely with ecological principles, harnessing natural materials in pursuit of more sustainable food production systems.
The broader impact on agriculture
Beyond olive cultivation, the insights gained from this research have broader implications for various agricultural sectors. Exploring the utility of green solvents and bioactive compound extraction could inspire similar initiatives across different crop types, promoting extensive adoption of eco-friendly pest control solutions.
Moreover, integrating biotechnology with agricultural practices opens avenues for further innovation. It highlights the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in farming and pest management, ensuring the resilience and productivity of vital crops.
Rita Ferreira
Rita is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience, having worked with globally renowned platforms, including Forbes and Miister CBD. Her deep knowledge of hemp-related businesses and passion for delivering accurate and concise information distinguish her in the industry. Rita's contributions empower individuals and companies to navigate the complexities of the cannabis world, and her work remains a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of its potential.
