Electrons, leaves and light: investigating surface photodegradation of agrochemicals

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Understanding the mechanism of photodegradation of agrochemicals on mimetic leaf surfaces using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy: With the ever-rising global population, the needs for efficiency and sustainability in agriculture are increasing. Agrochemicals play a key role in many sustainable farming practices but, when applied to plant surfaces and exposed to sunlight, photodegradation is one key mechanism by which their efficiency can be reduced. The development of better models enabling a more thorough mechanistic understanding of photodegradation processes under realistic conditions will help towards increasing efficiency and sustainability in the development and use of new agrochemicals. In this project, we will investigate the role of the leaf surface and composition in the photodegradation of agrochemicals using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.