Terpene Nanoemulsion as Bio-Insecticide & Natural Antifungal Agent
The Problem
The byproducts of commercial cannabidiol production represent a significant amount of unutilized agricultural waste.
The Solution
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed nanoemulsions of terpene enriched byproducts from commercial cannabidiol (CBD) production and evaluated their effect for storage-product insect control. Both TP and DTP nanoemulsions were found to exhibit excellent insecticidal activity compared to a neem oil nanoemulsion control. Further, the emulsion was also highly effective for control of hemp powdery mildew, resulting in almost 100% reduction of the disease symptoms.
Benefits
Benefit |
---|
Effective bioinsecticides and biofungicides from bioactive wastes. |
Reduces the number of rejects in quality control due to damages caused by the emerging adult insects in mung beans. |
Reduces losses due to plant pathogenic fungi in multiple crops. |
More Information
- Tyler Newton, M.S.
- Assistant Technology Manager, Multi Campus Office
- 865-974-1882 | cnewto12@tennessee.edu
- UTRF Reference ID: 21050
- Patent Status:

Innovators
Dr. Toni Wang

Professor, Department of Food Science, College of Arts and Sciences, UT Knoxville
Dr. Wang received her PhD from Iowa State University in Food and Lipid Chemistry. Dr. Wang's research (with a total of ~$13 million funding) is focused on identifying novel and practical solutions for problems and challenges associated with processing, utilization, and functionalities of agricultural products intended for food, feed, biomaterials, and energy uses. She aims to use fundamental chemistry of lipids and proteins in new ways to improve food quality, functionality, safety, and health, and to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Read more about Dr. Toni WangDr. Tao Fei

Assistant Professor, Food Science
Dr. Fei received his PhD from Iowa State University in Food Science and Technology. His research interests include developing smart biomaterials for coating from law-value plant oils.
Read more about Dr. Tao FeiDr. Kimberly Gwinn

Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology
Dr. Gwinn received her PhD from North Carolina State University in Plant Pathology. Her research interests include bioactive natural products.
Read more about Dr. Kimberly GwinnDr. Zachariah Hansen

Assistant Professor, Entomology & Plant Pathology
Dr. Hansen received his PhD from Cornell University in Plant Pathology. His research interests include sustainable disease management.
Read more about Dr. Zachariah Hansen