Scientists develop clay-based nanocomposites to protect crops from bacteria

An international team of scientists has developed advanced nanocomposites made of clay and essential oils to protect crops from bacterial diseases. The research, led by the University of Venice and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, with participation from Spain’s Institute of Ceramics and Glass (ICV-CSIC), offers an ecological alternative to traditional antibiotics.

The materials use bentonite clay to encapsulate essential oils from oregano, thyme, and clove. These nano-structured materials adhere to flowers to combat ‘bacterial fire,’ a destructive disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. This disease affects over 130 species in the Rosaceae family and is present in more than 40 countries, causing significant economic losses by wilting branches and reducing fruit production.

By targeting the flowers where infection often begins, the formulation aims to reduce the agricultural sector's reliance on antibiotics, thereby mitigating the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Field tests and genetic analyses have shown that the oregano-based formulation significantly reduces the presence of the bacteria, performing at levels comparable to antibiotic treatments.