Perać, Sanja Radojković, Aleksandar Cirković, Jovana Jovanović, Jelena Branković, Zorica Milenković, Ivan Milanović, Slobodan Dobrosavljević, Jovan Tadić, Vanja Žugić, Ana Branković, Goran All rights reserved BOOK OF ABSTRACTS startpage: 55 endpage: 55 Forests are crucial national resources requiring long-term management. Phytophthora species, primarily attacking roots, pose a serious threat to forests, crops, and many plant species. Known as “plant destroyers”, these pathogens continue to spread despite preventive measures like proper drainage, hygiene, and chemical treatments. A promising solution is the development of eco-friendly biopesticides derived from plant-based products, such as essential oils (EOs). This study aimed to develop a new formulation that gradually releases the active components in the essential oils (EOs) from a biodegradable polymer matrix over time. The effects of three EOs from Cupressaceae family - Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murr.) Parl., Thuja plicata Donn ex D.Don and Juniperus communis L. - were tested against Phytophthora species: P. plurivora, P. quercina, and P. ×cambivora. The EOs were encapsulated in a biopolymer matrix containing chitosan and gelatin to form a stable water-in-oil emulsion, ensuring slow release and protection of active components for several weeks. Among the EOs, Thuja plicata exhibited the most effective growth inhibition of Phytophthora species, with concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5% (v/v) almost completely halting fungal growth over seven days. These results demonstrated the potential of T. plicata EO encapsulated in a sustainable biopolymer as an effective biopesticide for natural ecosystem protection. https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:7917 cobiss:170258441 ISBN: 978-86-80109-27-5 2025 eng info:eu-repo/semantics/conferenceProceedings application/pdf 793758 bytes BIOPOLYMER-BASED ENCAPSULATION OF THUJA PLICATA ESSENTIAL OIL: A POTENTIAL BIOPESTICIDE AGAINST PHYTOPHTHORA PATHOGENS