Hefei, China (ANTARA) \u2014 Scientists from the Hefei Institutes of\nPhysical Science, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have proposed a\nnew solution to a problem that often troubles agriculture: pesticides\nwashing off plant leaves before they can do their job.<\/p>\n
The solution is presented in a study published in the Journal of\nControlled Release and was inspired by tiny hair-like structures that\nhelp bacteria attach to the human intestine.<\/p>\n
Imitating this natural adhesion mechanism, the research team created\nrough-surfaced silica nanoparticles that cling to leaf surfaces far\nbetter than conventional formulations. The technology could reduce\npesticide waste and the need for repeated spraying.<\/p>\n
According to the researchers, conventional pesticide spraying is\nhighly inefficient. Leaves are coated with a waxy, water-repellent\nlayer, causing spray droplets to bounce off. Rain washes away pesticide\nresidue that has managed to adhere, while sunlight and evaporation break\ndown its active ingredients.<\/p>\n
Previous studies have indicated that as much as 90 per cent of\npesticides may never reach their intended target, forcing farmers to\nspray repeatedly. This raises costs and worsens pollution and ecological\ndamage.<\/p>\n
The research team looked to bacteria for an answer. Some intestinal\nbacteria have tiny hair-like structures called pili, which act like\nsmall hooks. These structures grip surfaces and prevent the bacteria\nfrom being swept away.<\/p>\n
The researchers replicated this mechanism by creating minute, hollow\nsilica particles and covering their surfaces with tiny spikes. They then\nfilled the particles with imidacloprid, a commonly used insecticide.<\/p>\n
Detailed analysis confirmed that, when sprayed on leaves, the spiky\nnanoparticles worked like bacterial pili. They lodged in the waxy leaf\nsurface and held fast, like tiny anchors. The particles also formed\nhydrogen bonds \u2014 weak chemical interactions that act like tiny magnets \u2014\nfurther strengthening their grip.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis double grip helps the pesticide remain attached, even in the\nrain. The carrier also releases the pesticide slowly and resists damage\nfrom ultraviolet (UV) light, making it more efficient,\u201d said Wang\nGuozhong, a researcher at the institute.<\/p>\n
The team tested the new formulation on cotton, soybean and tomato\nleaves. After simulated rainfall, the amount of pesticide remaining on\nthe leaves was more than 4.8 times higher than with a commercial\nimidacloprid product.<\/p>\n
\u201cSafety tests on plants and zebrafish showed no clear signs of harm,\nindicating that this new pesticide is environmentally friendly and could\nhelp pave the way for low-dose, high-efficiency, environmentally\nfriendly pesticide products,\u201d Wang added.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/chinese-scientists-develop-new-nanoparticles-to-improve-pesticide-performance-1792410735", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }