Development of neem seed with oleochemical-based emulsion in water (EW) formulation for controlling golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata / Rosdiyani Massaguni

The invasion of golden apple snail in Malaysian agricultural systems has led to a great concern among the farmers, as it becoming a major pest in paddy cultivation. Efforts to control this pest have included physical and cultural control measures, using chemical pesticide and employing biopesticide. Neem has been increasingly used as molluscicidal agent against terrestrial and freshwater snail. Conventionally, commercial neem is formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and this formulation was reported having a relatively large amount of aromatic hydrocarbon solvent and emulsifier that harmful to the environment and human health. Therefore, opportunities exist for the introduction of alternative formulation strategies, which may improve the environment and efficiency of applications. In this respect, the purpose of this study is to develop emulsion in water (EW) formulation of neem-based pesticide from neem seed extract using oleochemical solvents and non-ionic surfactant for controlling golden apple snail. The development of the formulation was commenced with the extraction of neem seed and evaluation of its bioactivity against the golden apple snail. Further, the formulation was developed in three different types of oleochemical-based solvent carrier that stabilized with Tween® and Span® surfactant blends and xanthan gum. The neem seed extracts were then incorporated into the optimal formulation (EW-neem), and followed by physicochemical characterization and stability evaluation.