Development of Chlorantraniliprole and Lambda Cyhalothrin Double-Loaded Nano-Microcapsules for Synergistical Pest...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology
• Entomology

Background:

• Global food production faces challenges from pests, necessitating efficient and effective pest control strategies.
• Conventional pesticide application methods often suffer from low utilization efficiency and environmental concerns.
• Nanotechnology offers potential solutions for improving pesticide delivery and efficacy in agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize double-loaded nano-microcapsules containing chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin.
• To evaluate the controlled release properties and synergistic effects of the developed pesticide nano-microcapsules.
• To assess the efficacy of the nano-microcapsules against the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

Main Methods:

• Nano-microcapsules were synthesized using a solid-in-oil-in-water encapsulation technique coupled with solvent evaporation.
• In vitro release studies were conducted to determine the cumulative release rates of chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin over 40 hours.
• Toxicity assays were performed against Spodoptera frugiperda using the nano-microcapsules and conventional pesticide formulations.

Main Results:

• The synthesized nano-microcapsules exhibited simultaneous and sustained release of both chlorantraniliprole (70% cumulative release at 40h) and lambda-cyhalothrin (80% cumulative release at 40h).
• The double-loaded nano-microcapsules demonstrated significantly higher toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda compared to individual pesticide formulations and their mixture.
• Evidence of synergistic pest control was observed, indicating enhanced efficacy when pesticides are co-encapsulated.

Conclusions:

• Pesticide nano-microcapsules with synergistic effects can be developed, improving pesticide utilization efficiency and bioavailability.
• This novel approach represents an environmentally intelligent pesticide delivery system for enhanced agricultural pest management.
• The findings pave the way for advanced nanotechnology applications in sustainable agriculture.