Agricultural Production Potential Research Articles

Enhancing Fruit Retention and Juice Quality in ‘Kinnow’ (Citrus reticulata) Through the Combined Foliar Application of Potassium, Zinc, and Plant Growth Regulators

Improving fruit quality and reducing pre-harvest fruit drop are critical goals for Citrus reticulata production in Pakistan, where climatic and nutritional challenges affect yield and juice quality. This study evaluated the combined effects of plant growth regulators (salicylic acid and indole acetic acid) and nutrients (potassium and zinc) on fruit drop and juice volume in Citrus reticulata L. Field trials were conducted at three locations in Punjab, Pakistan (Layyah, Faisalabad, and Sargodha) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications per treatment. Nutrients (K and Zn at 100 mg/L each) and growth regulators (SA at 100 mg/L and IAA at 5 mg/L) were applied individually or in combination at three growth stages. Statistical analyses, including PCA, ANOVA, and GGE biplot, were used to identify the most effective treatments for improving fruit juice quality and reducing fruit drop. The combined foliar application of SA + K + Zn was the most effective across all parameters, except fruit drop, juice citric acid contents, and juice pH, which were negatively affected. The highest juice potassium content was observed with K application. The PCA and GGE biplot analysis indicated that the Sargodha orchard performed best, with the SA + K treatment being the most effective there, while SA + K + Zn showed the best results at Layyah and Faisalabad for reducing fruit drop, enhancing juice volume, and improving fruit quality. However, individual fruit, juice, and juice nutrient contents traits analyses revealed that the most significant improvements in fruit and juice quality were observed at the Sargodha site instead of Layyah and Faisalabad. The treatment SA + K + Zn proved to be the most stable and consistent in enhancing citrus fruit and juice quality across all three selected locations. The findings suggest that adopting the SA + K + Zn treatment could be a practical approach for citrus farmers aiming to enhance crop yield and fruit quality, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and export potential in Pakistan.

Organic agriculture in Kyrgyzstan: experiences with implementing participatory guarantee systems

Organic farming plays a pivotal role in the recent initiative to develop a sustainable economy in the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan). Key national policy documents support a green agricultural development path and highlight the potential of organic agricultural production and exports. This study therefore elicited perspectives on organic farming from organic farmers and stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on the role of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in its promotion. Interviews held with these two groups revealed that, whereas organic farmers are primarily motivated by personal and family health concerns despite unfair market prices and insufficient governmental support, stakeholders prioritize environmental protection and view the inclusion of PGS in national legislation as a milestone in organic certification. Also, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has influenced farmers’ motivation for organic conversion owing to increased health concerns and food safety. The study’s findings highlight the potential of PGS to foster cooperation within local communities and familiarize farmers with organic principles and methods. PGS can be used as a framework to strengthen social and economic links within local farming communities and preserve traditional local knowledge and farming practices that are crucial for climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture. Moreover, PGS may be applied in business as a model for establishing collaboration with other sectors at both domestic and international levels. The findings underscore the significance of PGS in the sustainable development of organic farming in Kyrgyzstan. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and knowledge need to be addressed through the government’s increased involvement and through cooperation among actors within the organic sector. Overall, the PGS approach may be used by policymakers as a relevant and feasible tool for introducing organic principles within agricultural policies and disseminating organic practices across the country.

Выдел как способ образования земельного участка на землях сельскохозяйственного назначения

Agricultural lands are the main potential for modern agricultural production. A participant in shared ownership has the right to dispose of his land share at his discretion after allocating a land plot to the account of the land share. The article discusses the issues of organization and technology of cadastral works on the allocation of land from agricultural land.

Экономико-математическое моделирование как инструмент обоснования совершенствования материальной базы и технического потенциала аграрного производства

The article focuses on the description of the application of mathematical modeling in economics to optimize the material and technical base of agricultural organizations. The use of models in addressing complex problems and tasks to justify the enhancement of the technical potential of agricultural production has proven its effectiveness, as it allows for the determination of optimal parameters for the organization’s economic activities, contributing to increased economic efficiency and reduced material and monetary costs. The article presents three development scenarios for an agricultural enterprise – under minimally and maximally favorable conditions, as well as along the most probable trajectory – each of which considers various factors and constraints. The modeling results demonstrate significant reserves for improving profitability and resource efficiency under various scenarios, confirming the high practical value of the modeling method for the agricultural sector.

Spatiotemporal variation and driving factors of oases in the arid region of Northwest China.

Based on Landsat images and digital elevation model data during 2000-2020, we investigated the spatio-temporal variations and driving forces of oases in the arid region of Northwest China, using an object-oriented method for oasis classification, and employing trends analysis, centroid migration, and geographic detectors methods. The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the oasis area in the arid region of Northwest China exhibited a linear increasing trend, with a rate of 1079.66 km2·a-1. The growth rate of oasis area, from highest to lowest, was Alxa, Southern Xinjiang, Hexi Corridor and Northern Xinjiang, respectively. Oases in the arid region of Northwest China were mainly distributed in bands or dots along the northern and southern foothills of Tianshan Mountain, Kunlun Mountain, the northern foothills of Qilian Mountain, and the Alxa Plateau. The oasis area in Northern Xinjiang increased while that in the south decreased. Oases in Southern Xinjiang mainly expanded along rivers, with some edges experiencing recession. Expansion and recession of oases in the Hexi Corridor occurred along the rivers in the northwest. Alxa oasis expanded in a scattered pattern with no significant recession areas. The centroids of oases in Northern and Southern Xinjiang generally shifted northeastward, while that in the Hexi Corridor moved northwestward. The centroid of Alxa oasis fluctuated in a north-south direction. The interpretations of agricultural production potential for spatial differentiation of oases in Northern Xinjiang and the Hexi Corridor were the most significant, at 43.6% and 45.3% respectively. Precipitation was the strongest environmental factor affecting Alxa oasis distribution, with an interpretation of 27.6%. Soil types were the strongest factor affecting the distribution of oases in Sou-thern Xinjiang, with an interpretation of 44.9%. The interaction among human activities in oases in the arid region of Northwest China was mainly enhanced by two factors, while the interaction among natural factors was enhanced by both two factors and nonlinear enhancement.

How photosynthetic performance impacts agricultural productivity in hybrid cotton offspring

Currently, heterosis is an effective method for achieving high crop quality and yield worldwide. Owing to the challenges of breeding and the high cost of the F1 generation, the F2 generation is considered the more desirable hybrid offspring for agricultural production. The use of OJIP fluorescence provides rapid insights into various photosynthetic mechanisms. However, OJIP fluorescence has not been previously studied as an indicator of the rate of heterosis. Consequently, we investigated the relationship between photosynthetic characteristics and growth and developmental parameters in hybrid cotton cultivars. The findings showed a gradual decline in the photosynthetic performance of hybrid cotton as the number of generations increased. In comparison to the F3 generation, both the F1 and F2 generations showed minimal variations in parameters, thus maintaining hybrid dominant and emphasizing the agricultural production potential of the F2 generation. The JIP-test revealed significant differences in the relationship between ψEo and ϕEo parameters, as well as variations in the connections between the photo-response center and electron transfer efficiency, and between cotton yield and fiber quality in the hybrid progeny. These variations can serve as indicators for predicting the extent of hybrid dominance in cotton. The results indicated significant differences in the light and dark responses of the hybrid offspring. By using parents with similar photosynthetic performance as genetic resources for crossbreeding, the photosynthetic capacity of the hybrid progeny can be enhanced to facilitate the efficient absorption and conversion of light energy in crops.

A Two-Year Study of Bioorganic Fertilizer on the Content of Pb and As in Brown Rice and Rice Yield in a Contaminated Paddy Field

Bioorganic fertilizer (BOF) represents favorable potential for agricultural production, but the safe and residual effects of BOF application in heavy-metal-contaminated soils still remain unclear. A two-year field experiment of four rice-growing cycles were conducted to study the effects of the one-time addition of BOF (low and high dosages, 0.45 and 0.9 kg/m2, namely, BOF1 and BOF2, respectively) on the lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) accumulations in brown rice, rice yield, and soil properties in an acidic and Pb-As-contaminated paddy field. The results show that BOF application enhanced the rice yields by 7.9–25.5% and increased the soil pH, organic carbon contents, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase activity in the former two rice-growing cycles, while these attributes declined gradually and were not significant in the last two cycles. The soil bulk density decreased marginally due to the BOF. Furthermore, the BOF1 treatment barely affected the rice Pb and As concentrations during all cycles, whereas the BOF2 treatment clearly increased the Pb concentrations in brown rice, exceeding the food quality standard limit of 0.2 mg/kg in the last three cycles, and slightly increased the rice As in the former three cycles. The BOF effects on Pb and As in brown rice were due to the changes in the available soil Pb and As, respectively. Our results indicate that a one-time application of BOF could ameliorate the soil conditions of rice growth in two rice-growing cycles, while the high-dose BOF seemed undesirable in toxic-metal-contaminated soils. BOF application at the rate of 0.45 kg/m2 per annum may be a potential strategy for safe rice production in Pb-As-contaminated fields.

Mint-Scented Species in Lamiaceae: An Abundant and Varied Reservoir of Phenolic and Volatile Compounds.

This investigation aimed to identify the most favorable cultivar based on plant metabolites for potential targeted cultivation in the pharmaceutical industry. The analysis revealed the presence of 19 individual phenolics and 80 individual volatiles across the cultivars, a breadth of data not previously explored to such an extent. Flavones emerged as the predominant phenolic group in all mint-scented cultivars, except for peppermint, where hydroxycinnamic acids dominated. Peppermint exhibited high concentrations of phenolic acids, particularly caffeic acid derivatives and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Luteolin-rich concentrations were found in several mint varieties, known for their antioxidative, antitumor, and cardio-protective properties. Swiss mint and spearmint stood out with elevated levels of flavanones, particularly eriocitrin, akin to citrus fruits. Monoterpene volatiles, including menthol, camphor, limonene, and carvone, were identified across all cultivars, with Swiss mint and spearmint exhibiting the highest amounts. The study underscores the potential for targeted cultivation to enhance volatile yields and reduce agricultural land use. Notably, chocolate mint demonstrated promise for volatile content, while apple mint excelled in phenolics, suggesting their potential for broader agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food industry production.

Effects of integrated nutrient management and fertilizers on the yield of baby corn in Punjab's climatic context

The combined impacts of climate change and increased chemical fertilizer use are diminishing soil fertility, thereby reducing agricultural productivity and farmland yield potential. This study investigates the effect of integrated nutrient management on baby corn. Results showed that the highest cob length (14.28 cm) and green fodder yield (45.56 t ha-1) were achieved using elevated levels of nitrogen (160 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (120 kg ha-1), supplemented with zinc (6 kg ha-1) and Azotobacter. Soil nutrient availability was assessed, indicating that treatment with 160 kg N + 100 kg P + 6 kg Zn + Azotobacter results in available nitrogen levels of 277.2 kg ha-1 and the highest organic carbon content (0.26%). Available phosphorus content (ranging from 24.1 to 24.3 kg P ha-1) is observed with 120 kg P. Nutritional quality parameters were also influenced by nutrient levels, with the treatment of 160 kg N + 120 kg P + 6 kg Zn + Azotobacter showing the highest total soluble solids (11.2% brix) and protein content (17.9%). The treatment of 140 kg N + 100 kg P + 6 kg Zn exhibits the maximum fiber content (26.5%). In summary, the study underscores the positive impact of biofertilizers and zinc on fodder yield and soil properties. Integrating biofertilizers and micronutrients is recommended for sustaining agriculture and maintaining soil health over the long term.

The state and trends of land use development in Krasnoarmeysky district of the Krasnodar territory

The article analyzes the state and trends in the development of land use in the rice-growing zone of Kuban. The lands of Krasnoarmeysky district were chosen as the object of study, since it is the main rice growing area in Krasnodar region. It has been established that rice production makes significant influence to the nature, as it changes and transforms the environment, and especially land resources. An analysis of indicators characterizing the state of the lands in Krasnoarmeysky district was carried out, and a forecast for each of these indicators was calculated here as well. The results of this forecast until 2035 indicate a gradual decrease of agricultural lands (and arable lands) in the area, that can lead to reduction of the resource potential of agricultural production. The dynamics of indicators of the sown area, gross harvest and yield of rice in Krasnoarmeysky region are considered by the authors. It was found that rice production is growing steadily, however, an analysis of changes in the area under crops and the gross yield of rice indicates the insufficient efficiency of the existing technology for cultivating this crop, based on the intensive use of mineral fertilizers. Forecasting shows huge increase of used mineral fertilizers, accompanied by a reduction of organic substances in the soil and deterioration of the environmental situation. In order to ensure the environmental sustainability of Krasnoarmeysky district, the new ecosystem approach to land use in the rice-growing zone has been proposed, including a set of environmental and resource-saving measures. As a result of the proposed measures, the structure of land use, crop rotation patterns and production technology have to be changed, use environmentally friendly directions, and preserve and improve the conditions of land resources.

INFORMATION SECURITY IS A FACTOR INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SEED INDUSTRY

Increasing the efficiency of seed production in the country is of strategic and food importance. It takes into account the components and tools of marketing that will primarily increase the potential of agricultural production and determine its competitive advantages. The article examines the important issue of the application of information support mechanisms in the field of seed production in order to satisfy the needs of the domestic agro-producer in high-quality seed material and increase its competitiveness and volume of sales on the international market. It was determined that filling the market with the seeds of cultivated plants of domestic selection is the improvement of scientific and advisory support of agricultural formations and the rural population. It has been confirmed that domestic agricultural science, implemented on the basis of innovation, needs a systematic approach to the practical implementation of the transfer of intellectual innovative technologies, and scientifically based information and marketing support. The rise of information technologies in the field of agribusiness and seed production can be carried out by automating business processes related to the production of seeds of primary links and higher reproductions and the organization of the sales market, the formation of orders for production and financial and economic support.

Adaptation to climate change: state of art technologies

PurposeThe world is increasingly threatened by climate change. As the dimensions of this danger grow, it becomes essential to develop the most effective policies to mitigate its impacts and adapt to these new conditions. Technology is one of the most crucial components of this process, and this study focuses on examining climate change adaptation technologies. The aim of the study is to investigate the entire spectrum of technology actors and to concentrate on the technology citation network established from the past to the present, aiming to identify the core actors within this structure and provide a more comprehensive outlook.Design/methodology/approachThe study explores patent citation relationships using social network analysis. It utilizes patent data published between 2000 and 2023 and registered by the US Patent and Trademark Office.FindingsStudy findings reveal that technologies related to greenhouse technologies in agriculture, technologies for combatting vector-borne diseases in the health sector, rainwater harvesting technologies for water management, and urban green infrastructure technologies for infrastructure systems emerge as the most suitable technologies for adaptation. For instance, greenhouse technologies hold significant potential for sustainable agricultural production and coping with the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, ICTs establish intensive connections with nearly all other technologies, thus supporting our efforts in climate change adaptation. These technologies facilitate data collection, analysis, and management, contributing to a better understanding of the impacts of climate change.Originality/valueExisting patent analysis methods often fall short in detailing the unique contributions of each technology within a technological network. This study addresses this deficiency by comprehensively examining and evaluating each technology within the network, thereby enabling us to better understand how these technologies interact with each other and contribute to the overall technological landscape.

Методы повышения эффективности производственного по-тенциала сельскохозяйственных предприятий

Modern agriculture is faced with the necessity to increase production efficiency under conditions of increasing competition, climate change and modern geopolitical challenges. Increase of the efficiency of agricultural enterprises production potential is a key factor to ensure food security and sustainable development of agricultural sector. The article discusses the current methods of increasing the efficiency of agricultural enterprises production potential, including introduction of innovative technologies, optimization of management processes and improvement of resources use. The author's approach to formulation of definitions and interpretation of conceptual provisions on the stated research topic is presented. The assessment of the development of agriculture production potential in Orel region for the period of 2015-2023 is given, in particular, the dynamics of agricultural production volumes, including in the fields of crop production and livestock farming. It is concluded that there established positive trend in the region in efficiency increase of using agriculture production potential, which is associated with attracting investments in agricultural sector. The theoretical significance of the research results is in the fact that they can serve the basis for further methodology development for assessing the effectiveness of using agricultural enterprises production potential, and development of conceptual approaches to forecasting the required amount of targeted financing, which allows influencing the effectiveness of production activities. From the practical point of view, development and improvement of the mechanism and methods for assessing the development of production potential in agriculture will stimulate innovation and investment activity of its financial and economic activities. Practical application of the research results will ensure steady increase of profitability and efficiency of agricultural production.

Improving the country’s food security in the conditions of developing a circular economy

This article discusses the analysis and trends of the country's food security. Even at the current stage of agriculture occupies an important place at the economic and social level. Increasing the production and export potential of agriculture greatly contributes to improving the well-being of the rural population, economic growth, and maintaining the balance of the consumer market. In an econometric model was proposed and forecasts were developed. Expected indicators for 2022-2027 are determined based on the number of food products per capita. Uzbekistan plans to increase the composition and production volume of industrial consumer products for 2021-2030, and this strategy is currently working rapidly. The goal of this strategy is to develop mechanisms that increase food safety, enrich the food segment of the markets in the region, provide the population with cheap food products, and improve a healthy competitive environment along with opening a wider path to foreign trade.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal interaction associated with a botanical garden in the tropics of Mexico

Botanical gardens, areas for vegetation conservation, have become important reservoirs of beneficial soil microbiota, mainly as a source of microbial inoculum for agricultural purposes. Shrubby mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), an important genetic resource of tropical soils, have a high potential for agricultural production, generally used as inoculant medium that provides better yield, productivity and physiological response to crops. This research study explores the presence of AMF in a botanical garden, composed of four areas: cactarium collection, epiphytes and ornamental collection, tropical forest area and coastal zone. Each area is composed of plants representative of its ecosystem. For the study, a random systematic model was used, with nine samples per site at a depth of 20 cm. A physicochemical characterization of the soils was developed. The extraction of AMF spores was carried out by wet sieving and centrifugation in 60% sucrose. The spores were identified by taxon. The results indicate a total of 379 AMF spores identified in the study area. The highest spore incidence was recorded in the tropical forest area with a total of 161 (53.67±5.51) spores extracted, followed by the coastal zone and cactus collection area with 78 (26.00±9.64) and 73 (24.33±4.73) spores in total. In the study two taxa were identified, Glomeraceae and Gigasporaceae. The taxon Glomeraceae is also considered to be the most representative (highest abundance and frequency) of the study. In conclusion, botanical gardens, by their extructure (plant composition) and management can be taken into account as important ecosystems reservoirs and source of viable microbial genetic material for the bioprospecting of beneficial soil genotic resources (rhizophiles and endophylls) for use in modern agriculture and sustainable food production systems.

Research Progress of CRISPR/Cas9 Application in Rice Cultivation

Rice, being one of the world's most important staple crops, plays an important role in global food security and sustainable agriculture. The CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology has attracted widespread attention globally. With its precision and simplicity, rice breeding and research now heavily rely on the CRISPR gene editing method. The rice genome has been fully sequenced and intensively studied. Genome editing in rice holds great potential for variety improvement and agricultural production. In recent years, many studies have reported successful cases of gene knockout, point mutations, and targeted genome insertions using CRISPR-mediated genetic improvement strategies in rice. Using CRISPR gene editing technology to introduce new beneficial traits in rice, such as increased quality and nutritional value, disease resistance, stress tolerance, and greater control of rice growth and development has shown great potential. However, despite the broad prospects of CRISPR technology in rice, there are still many challenges and technical limitations to overcome, and issues regarding precision and safety remain unresolved. This review intended to provide an overview of the CRISPR technology's principles, methods, and researched progress in rice, as well as to analyze its possible benefits and difficulties in rice breeding while also providing information on its potential future applications.

Just energy imaginaries? Examining realities of solar development on Pennsylvania's farmland

While transitions away from fossil fuels are urgent in a changing climate, the place-based dynamics underlying these renewable energy transitions demonstrate both the potential for shifting historical inequities and the harm of failing to do so. As the cost of solar energy has dropped globally, the socioecological implications of transforming landscapes to host solar photovoltaics (PV) have garnered significant research attention. This study builds on such research by outlining realities of grid-scale solar development on farmland in the US state of Pennsylvania (PA). Through a theoretical grounding in energy justice and land imaginaries, we interviewed farmers and solar stakeholders across PA to better understand why farmers are leasing their land for solar and how these leasing processes balance farmer, stakeholder, and community costs and benefits. We find that farmers enter solar leases for multiple reasons, of which economic gain is a central but insufficient factor. Farmers negotiated lease terms to ensure end-of-life decommissioning, hinged on the hope that the land will be farmable again after solar panels are removed. Yet, as solar was described as a “thirty-year cover crop,” negotiating terms for agrivoltaics was not observed, obscuring the potential for agricultural production to continue during the solar lease. Further, solar developers have utilized option contracts and non-disclosure agreements, reducing the ability of landowners to collectively negotiate for more favorable terms. We situate these findings in both the fraught legacies of energy production in PA, as well as in three main tenets of energy justice, highlighting the caution and hope associated with solar rollouts contributing to just and sustainable energy transitions.

ЗЕМЛЕВПОРЯДНИЙ МЕХАНІЗМ У СИСТЕМІ УПРАВЛІННЯ ЗЕМЕЛЬНИМИ РЕСУРСАМИ: РОЛЬ ТА ФУНКЦІЇ

The article delves into the land management mechanism within the general land management system to maximize the effective utilization of agricultural land, investment opportunities, and productivity potential in rural areas, and to create conditions for its social transformation into a powerful factor of economic growth. Given the state's sustainable development strategy for land use, the introduction of the land market, and the conceptual shift of community development to territorial and spatial planning, which is a crucial tool for land resource management, attention is focused on several tasks that must be accomplished to improve the land management mechanism in the general system of managing land resources in the agricultural sector. Specifically, it is necessary to guarantee the most efficient and ecologically safe use of all agricultural lands suitable for profitable production of agricultural products; create territorial conditions for the consolidation of land plots and better their use by implementing measures that ensure the preservation of lands and their involvement in agricultural production; restore disturbed and degraded lands and bring them to the conditions suitable for agricultural production, among others. In order to effectively implement certain actions, it is necessary to pass all stages of planning for the rational use and protection of agricultural land at a legislative level. This will help to formulate and set relevant requirements for land management regulations within defined territorial zones, including provisions regarding the use and possible changes of these rules. The land management mechanism plays a crucial role in the land management system by carrying out various functions. The tasks of agriculture in the implementation of the land management mechanism within the general system of land resource management in the agricultural sector are also clearly defined and formulated.

Can Plant Nutrient Dynamics and Indian Mustard Yield Be Influenced by Addition of Organic Amendments Under Saline Sodic Soils?

ABSTRACT Arid and semi-arid regions are having huge potential for agricultural production but also have limitations of salinity and alkalinity. By mediating rhizospheric environment with the application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, Indian mustard yield could be enhanced in these areas. For this, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic (FarmYard Manure and vermicompost) and inorganic (urea) amendments with irrigation water of different sodium absorption ratios (SAR; 6, 10, 20 and 30). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with 24 treatment combinations keeping different SAR in main plots and organic and inorganic nitrogen sources in sub plots. Experiment results revealed that increasing SAR levels reduced the availability of major plant nutrients, i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The soil organic carbon mineralization rate and Indian mustard seed yield were also deceased with increasing levels of SAR. Application of nitrogen through farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost decreased the electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and enhanced the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil solution. Application of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through urea and 75% through vermicompost produced maximum seed and stover yield of Indian mustard. Thus, supply of recommended dose of nitrogen as inorganic (50%) and organic (75%) sources improved the soil health and Indian mustard yield of arid lands with sodic irrigation water. The use of organic sources in place of sole application of N fertilizer may be a potential management option in sodic groundwater irrigated areas for enhancing mustard crop yield.

In-situ coordination assembly of polyphenol with cage-like Prussian blue as an ecofriendly nanocarrier for site-specific pesticide delivery and sustained pest control

In sustainable agricultural production, an efficient and environmental-friendly nanoplatform for precise pesticide delivery is considerably desirable to enhance efficacy and minimize ecological side effects. In this study, a pH-responsive nanohybrid named EB@HMPB@TA was designed using hollow mesoporous Prussian blue (HMPB) coordinated with tannin (TA) for targeted delivery of emamectin benzoate (EB). Results demonstrated that the cage-like HMPB nanoparticles possessed a remarkable loading capacity for EB, reaching up to 63.7%. Through a coordination assembly process, an in-situ Fe3+-chelated TA coating was formed on the surface of EB@HMPB to obtain EB@HMPB@TA. Notably, EB@HMPB@TA appreciably improved the foliar affinity of EB. Moreover, under UV-light irradiation, the degradation rate of EB loaded in the HMPB@TA nanocarriers decreased by 47% compared to EB alone, thus reducing the loss of EB. Additionally, the release ratio of EB@HMPB@TA at pH = 8.5 was 9.47-fold higher than that at neutral pH over 48 h. This pH-dependent release feature held great potential for targeting lepidopteran pests, which own a unique alkaline gut environment. Importantly, compared to commercial EB suspension concentrate, EB@HMPB@TA exhibited potent insecticidal activity against three target pests. Safety evaluations conducted on both HK-2 cells in vitro and maize crops demonstrated the relative safety of EB@HMPB@TA. Consequently, EB@HMPB@TA offered a new approach for accurate pesticide delivery, facilitating efficient and eco-friendly pest control practices and holding tremendous potential for sustainable agricultural production, which aligns with the principles of cleaner production in agriculture.