Multifunctional Surface, Subsurface, and Systemic Therapeutic (MS3T) Formulation for the Control of Citrus Canker

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• Copper-based pesticides are widely used but raise environmental concerns.
• There is a need for effective and safer alternatives in crop protection.
• Multifunctional Surface, Subsurface, and Systemic Therapeutic (MS3T) formulations offer potential benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel MS3T formulation as a copper pesticide alternative.
• To assess the efficacy of MS3T against key plant pathogens and its phytotoxicity.
• To determine the impact of MS3T on citrus fruit yield, quality, and nutrient content.

Main Methods:

• MS3T formulation developed using didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) and a zinc (Zn)-chelate.
• In vitro antimicrobial activity tested against *Xanthomonas alfalfae*, *Escherichia coli*, and *Pseudomonas syringae*.
• Greenhouse phytotoxicity trials on tomato and multi-year field trials on grapefruit for disease control and yield/quality assessment.

Main Results:

• MS3T demonstrated in vitro efficacy against tested bacterial strains.
• No significant phytotoxicity observed on tomato plants under greenhouse conditions.
• Field trials showed MS3T effectively controlled citrus canker, scab, and melanose, improving fruit yield and quality.

Conclusions:

• MS3T is a viable, effective alternative to copper pesticides for citrus crop protection.
• The formulation provides disease control and enhances plant nutrition through sustained release of Zn and nitrogen.
• Further research into nutrient release dynamics and long-term effects is warranted.