The essential oil of orange peel optimizes the application of agrochemicals, points out a study of two years conducted by the University of Illinois in the United States. Unlike mineral oils and other by-products of petroleum refining, such as siliconates, the essential oil of orange peel is naturally assimilated by plants, being quickly absorbed by them, without damage to the snare layer.

Thus, a rapid translocation is generated to the sites of action of herbicides, fungicides, acaricides or foliar fertilizers mixed with spray syrup, also acting as a great ally of integrated pest management.

According to the study by the University of Illinois, within 15 minutes of an application glyphosate was fully absorbed and translocated to the entire length of the leaf and subsequently to the entire plant, especially the roots, even if it rains after this period.

On the other hand, the substance does not alter the pH of water, as can happen with common siliconadjuvants or petroleum-based by-products. Another important differential is that the very high homogenization capacity prevents the obstruction of the filters and nozzles of the spray tips.

But not only in the research centers the results appear, thousands of farmers, throughout Brazil, already prove the effectiveness of the essential oil of orange peel. The producer does not need to stop spraying to maintain the equipment, also reducing process costs.

The essential oil is extracted from the orange peel during juice extraction, in a process carried out without the use of chemicals. It is considered a noble product in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries, due to the antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and insecticide applications attributed to it.

This is because, unlike D-Limoneno, a byproduct of bagasse used by the industry, mainly as a solvent, the essential oil of orange peel used in crops and pastures has more than 100 natural compounds.

"It is important not to confuse orange peel oil with products made from D-limoneno, which will have only the characteristic aroma and color," warns Fernando de Pieri Prando, national sales manager of Oro Agri, a multinational whose South American branch is established in the Brazilian state of Paraná.

According to him, it is the integrity of compounds that is responsible for the differentials of this raw material. An interesting curiosity, Prando says, is that the effects of orange peel oil on agriculture were discovered by accident.

And who discovered it was the founder Erroll Pullen himself, who is currently CEO of Oro Agri, a company of the Rovensa Group. The South African businessman holds the patent for orange peel oil in agriculture and livestock. Oro Agri is an acronym for Orange Oil for Agriculture, translated into the Portuguese.

Source: Agrolink