o:7917 BIOPOLYMER-BASED ENCAPSULATION OF THUJA PLICATA ESSENTIAL OIL: A POTENTIAL BIOPESTICIDE AGAINST PHYTOPHTHORA PATHOGENS en 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. 1552100 978-86-80109-27-5 91552100 170258441 2025-06-27T09:47:40.012Z 44 no 46 Sanja Perać University of Belgrade–Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade 46 Aleksandar Radojković University of Belgrade–Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade; Center of Excellence for Green Technologies, University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade 46 Jovana Cirković University of Belgrade–Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade 46 Jelena Jovanović University of Belgrade–Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade; Center of Excellence for Green Technologies, University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade 46 Zorica Branković University of Belgrade–Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade; Center of Excellence for Green Technologies, University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade 46 Ivan Milenković University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade, Serbia; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Brno, Czech Republic 46 Slobodan Milanović University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade, Serbia; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Brno, Czech Republic 46 Jovan Dobrosavljević University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade 46 Vanja Tadić Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0003-1761-604X 46 Ana Žugić Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0002-7722-6169 46 Goran Branković University of Belgrade–Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade; Center of Excellence for Green Technologies, University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade application/pdf 793758 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:7917 no yes 1 70 92000004 71A10 BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 55 55 8th Conference of The Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials 2025