Biodegradable coating to help achieve food security

Associate Professor David Leungs biodegradable coating can help achieve food security in an environmentally friendly and consumer-conscious way. Biotechnology Associate Professor David Leung, in Te Rāngai Pūtaiao College of Science, is working on a nontoxic, biodegradable coating to protect edible plantsagainst diseases, pests and environmental hazards, including the effects of climate change. The research could prove vital in protecting plant food without compromising consumer health. Because the coating is biodegradable, it would also provide an environmentally sustainable solution and avoid the negative impacts of agrochemicals commonly used to protect plants. In addition to being ecofriendly, the coating is nontoxic, which Associate Professor Leung says is key to protecting the people consuming the end product. "It is counterproductive to protect plants using toxic methods. Even though you may provide security for a food source, you are still missing the mark if you have contaminated the environment you are growing the plants in during the process and delivering a food product with toxic residues," says Associate Professor Leung.