Production and use of lignocellulosic wood vinegar and tar as organic pesticides to fight bacterial canker disease.

This study investigated the production and application of lignocellulosic wood vinegar and tar as organic pesticides to combat bacterial canker disease in trees, caused by pathogenic bacteria. Lignocellulosic wood vinegar and tar were produced from various lignocellulosic wastes through pyrolysis at different temperatures, with sawdust at 300 °C, 350 °C, and 400 °C yielding the highest quantity and quality of vinegar. Chemical analysis revealed that the lignocellulosic vinegar contained significant concentrations of acetic acid, methanol, and phenolic compounds, all known for their strong antimicrobial properties. In vitro tests demonstrated that lignocellulosic vinegar exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity against the bacterial canker pathogen. Furthermore, greenhouse and field trials confirmed that lignocellulosic vinegar effectively reduced disease severity in infected trees, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. This research addresses a significant gap in the scientific literature by exploring the use of lignocellulosic wood vinegar and tar for wood preservation and plant disease control. The findings suggest that lignocellulosic vinegar, particularly when derived from sawdust, can be a viable organic pesticide for managing bacterial canker disease, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly pest management strategies in agriculture and forestry.