Microencapsulation alters pyraclostrobin degradation and reshapes soil microbial communities compared to conventional...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Soil Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Microencapsulated pyraclostrobin (PYR-CS) offers extended efficacy and reduced non-target risks in agriculture.
• Limited data exists on PYR-CS soil degradation and its effects on soil microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if microencapsulation alters pyraclostrobin degradation and soil microbial communities compared to conventional formulations (PYR-EC, PYR-TC).

Main Methods:

• Compared degradation of PYR-CS, PYR-TC, and PYR-EC in five soil types using LC-MS.
• Assessed effects of soil sterilization, moisture, and temperature on degradation rates.
• Analyzed soil microbial community shifts using 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics.

Main Results:

• PYR-CS exhibited significantly longer soil degradation due to its encapsulation barrier.
• Elevated temperatures and low moisture accelerated PYR-CS degradation, likely by promoting capsule rupture.
• PYR-CS altered soil microbial communities, increasing Chloroflexi and Planctomycetota abundance at 21 days, with lasting effects.
• PYR-EC and PYR-TC caused transient microbial changes without long-term impacts.

Conclusions:

• Microencapsulation significantly influences pyraclostrobin soil degradation and microbial interactions.
• Findings provide a theoretical basis for developing environmentally friendly pesticide formulations and application strategies.