This book presents an exhaustive analysis of the trends in the development and use of natural and synthetic polymer systems aimed at sustainable agricultural production. The polymers have allowed the development of controlled and released systems of agrochemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and phytohormones through micro and nanoencapsulated systems, which protect and stimulate the growth of crops at low costs and without damage to the environment. Hydrogel systems from natural and synthetic polymers have also had their place in the agricultural industry, since they allow to maintain the humidity conditions of the crops for their correct development in drought times. Mulch films made of polymers have also become important in the control of weeds and pests in crops, as well as the use of edible coatings applied to fruits and vegetables during post-harvest, which reduce the losses of these perishable foods. Currently, the systems indicated, as well as others, are already used on a large scale. However, research studies in this area have been limited compared to other polymer applications. This book collects useful information for researchers, students and technologies related to the polymer technology and agri-food production. In this book, world-renowned researchers have participated, including associate editors of important journals, as well as researchers working in the area of research and development (R&D) of leading agri-food industries in the manufacture of agricultural inputs.

Autorentext
Dr. Tomy J. Gutiérrez has a degree in chemistry (Geochemical option) from the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) (December, 2007), a degree in education (Chemical mention) from the same university (UCV, July, 2008), has a specialization in International Negotiation of Hydrocarbons from the National Polytechnic Experimental University of the National Armed Force (UNEFA) - Venezuela (July, 2011). He also has a Master's and PhD degree in Food Science and Technology obtained in October, 2013 and April, 2015, respectively, both from the UCV. He has also PhD studies in Metallurgy and Materials Science from the UCV and postdoctoral studies at the Research Institute in Materials Science and Technology (INTEMA). Dr. Gutiérrez has been a professor - researcher at the UCV both at the Institute of Food Science and Technology (ICTA) and the School of Pharmacy at the same university. It is currently an adjunct researcher in the INTEMA - National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina. Dr. Gutiérrez has at least 20 book chapters and 40 publications in international journals of high impact factor. He has been a guest editor of several international journals such as Journal of Food Quality, Advances in Polymer Technology, Current Pharmaceutical Design and Frontiers in Pharmacology. Dr. Gutiérrez today is developing a line of research in nanostructured materials based on polymers (composite materials), which are obtained on a pilot scale to be transferred to the food, pharmaceutical and polymer industry. It is also a collaborator of international projects between Argentina and Brazil, Colombia, France, India, Iran, Spain, Sweden and Venezuela.

Inhalt
Trends in polymers for agri-food applications: A note from the editor.- Polymer based micro- and nanoencapsulation of agrochemicals.- Nano and microencapsulated nutrients for enhanced efficiency fertilizer.- Potential use of polymeric particles for the regulation of plant growth.- Applications and implications of environmental-responsive polymers toward agrochemicals.- Starch nanoparticles and nanocrystals as bioactive molecule carriers.- Biopolymer-based hydrogels for agriculture applications: Swelling behavior and slow delivery of agrochemicals.- Hydrogels: An effective tool to improve nitrogen use efficiency in cops.- Classifications and uses of emulsion in food and agro applications.- Nanoemulsions: Industrial production and food-grade applications.- Biodegradable plastic mulch films for sustainable specialty crop production.- Performance of bio-based polymeric agricultural mulch films.- Agronomical overview of mulch filmsystems.- Mulch plastic systems: Recent advances and applications.- Biodegradable polymer nanofibers applied in slow release systems for agri-food applications.- Synthesis methods of starch-based polymer foams and its comparison with conventional polymer foams for food packaging applications.- Coatings in the postharvest.- Trends in coatings manufacturing in the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.- Development of edible coatings in the preservation of fruits and vegetables: A critical discussion and exhaustive.- Smart and active edible coatings based on biopolymers.- Active and smart edible coatings for fresh fruits and vegetables.- Active, eco-friendly and edible coatings in the post-harvest - A critical discussion.- Chitosan mono- and bilayer edible coatings for preserving postharvest quality of fresh fruit.- Shellac-based coating polymer for agricultural applications.- Application of bionanocomposites on horticultural products to increase the shelf life.- Essential oil nanoemulsions as antimicrobials and antioxidants in composite food packaging.- Nanocellulose-polymer composites: Novel materials for food packaging applications.- Index.