Rain-fast octylamine-dopamine-grafted alginate film controls wheat powdery mildew and halves triadimefon usage

Fungicide resistance in Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici and on-target deposition below 30% undermine wheat powdery mildew control. A durable, rain-fast foliar film that intercepts early infection can synergize with fungicides to reduce chemical inputs and environmental loss. This study therefore developed and assessed a dual-functional alginate coating that combines hydrophobic anchoring with mussel-mimetic adhesion to extend leaf coverage, restrict the pathogen and reduce triadimefon use.

Octylamine and dopamine were grafted onto sodium alginate to produce a self-filming coating (SDO). At ≥0.2% (w/v) SDO covered >75% of the leaf surface and significantly reduced conidial germination and colony formation. In pot assays, 0.2% SDO alone provided >55% protective and curative efficacy. Formulating half-dose triadimefon (100 mg L^-1) in 0.2% SDO (Tri@SDO) raised control to 78.8% (protective) and 87.7% (curative), matching the full commercial dose. After simulated rainfall, Tri@SDO retained 72.3% efficacy versus 57.8% for the fungicide alone. Seed germination exceeded 96%, and no phytotoxic effects were detected in seedlings.

The dual-functional alginate coating forms a persistent physical barrier and synergises with triadimefon, providing full disease control with 50% less fungicide and superior rainfastness. This approach offers a practical means to mitigate fungicide resistance and environmental dissipation, advancing sustainable management of wheat powdery mildew. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.