Pesticide Products Research Articles

Compatibility of Commercial Fungicide Formulations with Plant-Associated Methylobacterium

Symbiotic Methylobacterium comprise a significant part of the plant microbiome and are known to benefit host plant growth, development, tolerance to abiotic stress, and enhanced disease resistance. The wide application of commercial broad-spectrum fungicide formulations in contemporary agriculture practices has necessitated the investigation of compatibility between popular pesticide products and bacterial endophytes, especially as the Methylobacterium are increasingly considered for agronomic use including biocontrol of phytopathogens. This study provides an evaluation of compatibility between a extensive inventory of 40 Methylobacterium strains in response to commercial pesticide formulations, each containing different agtive ingredients: DYNASTY® and QUADRIS® (azoxystrobin), MAXIM®480 (fludioxonil), and APRON XL® LS (metalaxyl-M). Using a diffusion disk assay, no sensitivity of tested Methylobacterium strains could be detected against any fungicide product, at doses within and above the recommended therapeutic window (1-100 µg). Potency of formulations across the same range were confirmed using the sensitive phytopathogen Fusarium graminearum. As Methylobacterium spp. continue to emerge as suitable candidates for various roles in biotechnology including agriculture, a better understanding on the compatibility between this important genus and commercial fungicide products has become a relevant consideration for integrated pest management practices.

Toxicity responses of different bee species to flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor insecticides reveal species and sex-based variations.

Mason bees (Osmia spp.) are solitary, tunnel-nesting bees. Several species, including the horn-faced bee (Osmia cornifrons) and the blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria), are commercially managed, primarily for the pollination of fruit trees and tree nuts. They are efficient pollinators and have high pollen fidelity, and so can greatly benefit orchard yields compared to honey bees (Apis mellifera) alone. Apis mellifera are often used as surrogates for other pollinators during pesticide risk assessment. Non-Apis bee species, however, can be more sensitive to certain pesticides, so it is also important to research the impact of novel pesticides on other bee species. This study investigated the effect of two formulated pesticide products containing recently approved active ingredients, sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone, on the survival of A. mellifera and three species of mason bees (O. lignaria, O. cornifrons, and Osmia californica). Bees were orally exposed to sulfoxaflor or flupyradifurone and their survival was measured over four days following exposure. Bee sensitivity to the insecticides varied by species and sex of bee. Apis mellifera was the least sensitive, followed by O. cornifrons, with O. lignaria and O. californica as the most sensitive. Male Osmia spp. bees were less sensitive than females. These insecticides may pose a higher risk to the health of Osmia spp. compared to A. mellifera.

Biodegradation of Phenol at High Initial Concentration by Rhodococcus opacus 3D Strain: Biochemical and Genetic Aspects.

Phenolic compounds are an extensive group of natural and anthropogenic organic substances of the aromatic series containing one or more hydroxyl groups. The main sources of phenols entering the environment are waste from metallurgy and coke plants, enterprises of the leather, furniture, and pulp and paper industries, as well as wastewater from the production of phenol-formaldehyde resins, adhesives, plastics, and pesticides. Among this group of compounds, phenol is the most common environmental pollutant. One of the cheapest and most effective ways to combat phenol pollution is biological purification. However, the inability of bacteria to decompose high concentrations of phenol is a significant limitation. Due to the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, phenol concentrations above 1 g/L are toxic and inhibit cell growth. This article presents data on the biodegradative potential of Rhodococcus opacus strain 3D. This strain is capable of decomposing a wide range of toxicants, including phenol. In the present study, cell growth with phenol, growth after rest, growth of immobilized cells before and after rest, phase contrast, and scanning microscopy of immobilized cells on fiber were studied in detail. The free-living and immobilized cells can decompose phenol concentrations up to 1.5 g/L and 2.5 g/L, respectively. The decomposition of the toxicant was catalyzed by the enzymes catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase. The role of protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase in biodegradative processes is discussed. In this work, it is shown that the immobilized cells can be stored for a long time (up to 2 years) without significant loss of their degradation activity. An assessment of the induction of genes potentially involved in this process was taken. Based on our investigation, we can conclude that this strain can be considered an effective destructor that is capable of degrading phenol at high concentrations, increases its biodegradative potential during immobilization, and retains this ability for a long storage time. Therefore, the strain can be used in biotechnology for the purification of aqueous samples at high concentrations from phenolic contamination.

Effect of hydraulic retention time and dissolved oxygen concentration on the biodegradation efficiency of phenol in an activated sludge reactor at different organic loading rates

Phenol is an important contaminant in wastewater from processing and refining plants, its presence in ecosystems is related to the production and degradation of numerous pesticides. Their toxic action is related to their hydrophobicity, generation of organic radicals and reactive oxygen species, causing mutagenesis and carcinogenesis in humans and other living organisms. In this research, an activated sludge system was studied for the treatment of wastewater with high concentration of phenol for reuse, varying the hydraulic retention time and dissolved oxygen concentration. The results showed the best COD removal rate (55%) and phenol biodegradation (49%) during experiment IV, at a wastewater dilution rate of 25% (v/v), dissolved oxygen (DO) feed of 1.5 ppm, hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2.81 days and organic load (Bv=7.5kgCOD/m3.d).

A Review of Different Synthesis Approaches to Nanoparticles: Bibliometric Profile

Nanomaterials are currently one of the most popular emerging materials used in different applications such as drug delivery, water treatment, cancer treatment, electronic, food preservations, and production of pesticide. This is due to their interesting features including size-dependent properties, lightweight, biocompatibility, amphiphilicity and biodegradability. They offer wide possibilities for modification and are used in multiple functions with enormous possibilities. Some of them are medically suitable which has opened new opportunities for medical improvement especially for human health. These characteristics also make nanomaterials one of the pioneers in green materials for various needs, especially in environmental engineering and energy sectors. In this review, several synthesis approaches for nanoparticles mainly physical, chemical, and biological have been discussed extensively. Furthermore, bibliometric analysis on the synthesis of nanoparticles was evaluated. About 117,162 publications were considered, of which 92% are journal publications. RSC Advances is the most published outlet on the synthesis of nanoparticles and China has the highest number of researchers engaged in the synthesis of nanoparticles. It was noted in the evaluation of synthesis approach that biological approach is the savest method but with a low yield, while the chemical approach offers a high yield with some level of hazardous effect. Also, the bibliometric analysis revealed that the field of nanotechnology is a trending and hot ground for research.

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss; Meliaceae) as the source for plant-based pesticides as an effective and sustainable biocontrol alternative

The neem tree has strengths such as effective and environmentally friendly active compounds, as well as the ability to improve the quality and productivity of plants organically. However, the use of botanical pesticides has several challenges, such as potentially lower effectiveness compared to chemical insecticides, high production costs, and requiring specific knowledge in formulation and application. Botanical pesticides are readily available tools for insect pest management and are eco-friendly. The research results show that a neem formula at a concentration of 20 ml.l-1 water can cause mortality of brown planthopper is 48.75 - 70%, while mortality in the synthetic insecticide (positive control) at a concentration of 2 ml.l-1 water (as recommended) resulted in 45% mortality. It is obvious that there is a need to develop biological control as alternatives for eco-friendly and sustainable for pests’ control in insect’s pest management strategies. This research study has both qualitative and quantitative approach, data collection strategies were desk review of information and will be based on empirical data and literature. For the desk study, relevant internet web pages were browsed to have an overview of the key concepts of the research issue, problem of pests and diseases control and benefit of neem tree as botanical pesticides. Nevertheless, the use of botanical pesticides can provide long-term benefits to the environment and human health and support more sustainable agriculture. There is a great opportunity for the development of more effective and affordable technology for botanical pesticide production for farmers, but there are also threats such as strong competition from synthetic pesticides. The objective this study aims to determine the potential of neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) as a plant producing botanical pesticides as an effective and sustainable biological control alternative.

Agro-input dealers' perspectives on the design of a certification scheme for pesticide risk reduction.

While pesticides are essential for crop protection and food security, they pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Agro-input dealers can play an important role in mitigating pesticide risks, given that they are a major source of pesticides and plant health information for many developing-country farmers. In this article, we assess the willingness of agro-input dealers to offer integrated pest management-based advisory services and promote pesticide risk reduction through a voluntary certification scheme. Using survey data from 557 agro-input dealers in Uganda and a discrete choice experiment, we find that the proposed certification scheme is significantly valued by agro-input dealers, particularly for its potential to provide training opportunities and ensure safety to human health and the environment. Agro-input dealers have a positive attitude towards a certification scheme that restricts the sale of high-risk pesticide products, especially if it stimulates additional income-generating opportunities. Further analysis shows that preferences for voluntary certification attributes are influenced by certification experience, agro-dealership experience, business ownership status and incidence of acute pesticide poisoning. The study findings demonstrate that agro-input dealers are conscious of pesticide risks to human and environmental health and are keen to participate in a certification scheme promoting safer plant protection products. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Pesticide exposure of operators during mixing and loading a drone: towards a stratified exposure assessment.

This study evaluated operator exposure during mixing and loading phases of drone-based pesticide application, specifically examining potential and actual exposure during handling of concentrated and diluted pesticide products. It aims to clarify the differences in exposure levels between these two scenarios with implications for exposure risk assessment. Results demonstrate that mixing concentrated products poses the primary exposure, while transferring diluted mixtures to the drone tank results in significantly lower exposure figures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) significantly mitigates potential exposure, particularly during mixing. Hand exposure contributes to 50-75% of total exposure. These data facilitate refined exposure and risk assessments by distinguishing between handling concentrated and diluted products, allowing a stratification of exposure for these scenarios and enabling the application of appropriate dermal absorption rates for each scenario. The results also confirm that one layer of work clothing and protective gloves significantly reduce the operator exposure, which highlights the importance of wearing adequate protective clothing and gloves by operators, especially during the mixing phase. These insights contribute to the development of novel science-based safety assessments and improved operator protection in drone-assisted pesticide application. © 2024 Bayer AG. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Predicting future climate scenarios: a machine learning perspective on greenhouse gas emissions in agrifood systems

Global climate change is an extensive phenomenon characterized by alterations in weather patterns, temperature trends, and precipitation levels. These variations substantially impact agrifood systems, encompassing the interconnected components of farming, food production, and distribution. This article analyzes 8,100 data points with 27 input features that quantify diverse aspects of the agrifood system’s contribution to predicted Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGE). The study uses two machine learning algorithms, Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Random Forest (RF), as well as a hybrid approach (LSTM-RF). The LSTM-RF model integrates the strengths of LSTM and RF. LSTMs are adept at capturing long-term dependencies in sequential data through memory cells, addressing the vanishing gradient problem. Meanwhile, with its ensemble learning approach, RF improves overall model performance and generalization by combining multiple weak learners. Additionally, RF provides insights into the importance of features, helping to understand the significant contributors to the model’s predictions. The results demonstrate that the LSTM-RF algorithm outperforms other algorithms (for the test subset, RMSE = 2.977 and R2 = 0.9990). These findings highlight the superior accuracy of the LSTM-RF algorithm compared to the individual LSTM and RF algorithms, with the RF algorithm being less accurate in comparison. As determined by Pearson correlation analysis, key variables such as on-farm energy use, pesticide manufacturing, and land use factors significantly influence GHGE outputs. Furthermore, this study uses a heat map to visually represent the correlation coefficient between the input variables and GHGE, enhancing our understanding of the complex interactions within the agrifood system. Understanding the intricate connection between climate change and agrifood systems is crucial for developing practices addressing food security and environmental challenges.

Non-invasive detection of pesticide residues in freshly harvested olives using hyperspectral imaging technology

Pesticides play a crucial role in boosting the overall yield and productivity of agricultural produce by controlling pests, insects, and various plant diseases. However, excessive use of pesticides has led to contamination of food products and water bodies, as well as disruption of ecological and environmental systems. Global health authorities have set limits for pesticide residues in individual food items to ensure the availability of safe foods in the supply chain and to assist farmers in developing optimal agronomic practices for crop production. In Spain, specifically regarding olive cultivation, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food establishes a safety period that farmers must observe from the application of the pesticide until the fruit is harvested. This period ensures that the batch of olives will comply with the maximum residue level allowed. This article proposes a methodology based on hyperspectral imaging to detect whether the olives have been sprayed with pesticide products and, if so, when the spraying occurred. The proposed methodology operates at the pixel level, where each pixel of the hyperspectral image is an instance. The pesticides evaluated were Diflufenican, Oxyfluorfen, Deltamethrin, λ-Cyhalothrin, and Tebuconazole. The results are promising and the success rates achieved over 80% accuracy for most pesticides in controlled laboratory conditions, with individual performance varying according to each pesticide's chemical properties and stability on the olive surface. While the results are promising, the scalability of this approach for larger and more diverse batches of olives requires validation under field conditions, where variations in environmental factors, olive variety, and ripeness may impact the detection accuracy. Furthermore, the study highlights key wavelengths around 750 nm and 550 nm as effective discriminators, suggesting potential for cost-effective, simplified imaging systems. Although hyperspectral imaging shows potential as an accessible, in-line monitoring solution for cooperative use, further analysis of implementation costs is recommended to confirm its feasibility on an industrial scale.

“Photography versus the Pest”: Shell Chemicals, Visual Media, and Pesticides in Postwar Britain

This article explores the intersections between industrial agriculture, mass media, and extraction. Examining color photographs and films produced by the oil and chemicals corporation Royal Dutch Shell, it shows how visual media helped to normalize the use of petroleum-derived pesticides in Britain in the years after the Second World War. Films and photographs created by the Shell Photographic Unit and the Shell Film Unit “naturalized” the company’s marketing of pesticide products, helping farmers to visualize their insect and fungi “enemies” while eliding or obscuring the long-term environmental and social risks that these chemicals posed. The material basis of these brightly colored films and photographs was itself entangled with the chemical revolution as they entered a global distribution market that was a product of the twentieth century’s fossil fuel culture. These images help us to make sense of the threads linking industrial agriculture, extraction, and corporate sponsorship precisely at the time when petroleum and its chemical by-products were changing the world beyond recognition.

Analysis of Marketing Strategies in Increasing Sales of Pesticide Products

Agriculture is a very important sector in Indonesia, because it has natural resources (SDA) and Human Resources (HR). Based on researchers' observations that have been carried out at UD. Makmur Tani uncovered problems involving many similar, tight competing companies with limited pesticide products and inappropriate marketing strategies. This research aims to analyze the marketing strategy implemented by UD. Makmur Tani in an effort to increase sales of pesticide products. The main focus of the research is on the three main indicators of marketing strategy, namely segmentation, targeting and positioning. Based on this explanation, the type of research used in this research is qualitative research, which is because it is not in the form of numbers or numbers so it only takes the form of statements or sentences. The research results show that UD. Makmur Tani has implemented a market segmentation strategy based on geography and farmer demographics. In terms of targeting, the company focuses on farmers in certain regions. The positioning strategy implemented is by positioning certain products. Further analysis revealed that implementation of this strategy has contributed to increased sales of pesticide products. However, there are still several obstacles in its implementation, especially related to market competition and changes in consumer preferences.

Standardization of criteria for interpreting the results of mutagenicity assessment in the Ames test

Introduction. Currently, various combinations of criteria for interpreting the results are used to make a conclusion about the mutagenic activity in the Ames test. In some cases where weak effects are present, especially when evaluating the mutagenicity of generic pesticides that may contain mutagenic impurities, different conclusions are possible, depending on the criteria chosen. Material and methods. To standardize the criteria for interpreting the results in the Ames test, data obtained earlier in the assessment of the mutagenic activity of technical pesticide products were used. The studies were carried out in accordance with the OECD Standard Protocol No. 471 and State Standard (Russian: ГОСТ) 32376–2013 by direct application to the plate and under pre-incubation conditions. Results. The applicability of three combinations of criteria for interpretation of Ames test results was evaluated using our own previously obtained experimental data. It was established that as criteria of biological significance of the results of mutagenicity evaluation in the Ames test it is reasonable to use not only the conservative approach based on the fold increase rule, but also to compare them with the data of the ranges of historical negative laboratory control. Limitations. The study is limited to evaluating the results of experiments obtained using the standard plate test, but not the fluctuation format. Conclusion. A conclusion about the presence of mutagenic activity of the test item in the Ames test can be made if the following criteria are fulfilled: the presence of a statistically significant increase in the number of revertants on the plates with the test item compared to the concomitant negative control; the presence of a concentration-effect relationship; the mean number of revertants for at least one of the concentrations tested, with or without metabolic activation, must exceed the upper limit of the distribution of the historical negative laboratory control; the number of revertants on the plates with the test item must be 2 or more times compared to that one in the negative control for TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102 and 3 or more for TA1535; the reproducible effects.

Monitoring of Bacillus spore-forming dynamics through flow cytometry.

The plate counting method is a traditional and widely accepted technique for live cell counting, often employed for Bacillus enumeration and spore forming rate calculations. However, this method requires at least 12 h to generate results, making it unsuitable for real-time monitoring of bacterial growth status and spore transformation rate. Bacillus thuringiensis crystals, produced during sporulation, are widely used as microbial pesticides, with high demand for industrial scale production. Variations in cultivation conditions and harvest timing during large-scale pore production of Bacillus thuringiensis significantly affect spore forming rate, impacting crystallization yield. Nevertheless, there is a lack of real-time monitoring methods for spore conversion rate. Flow cytometry (FCM), a well-established technique for single-cell analysis in eukaryotic cells, has been successfully applied in bacterial detection in environmental and food samples. In this study, we introduced a rapid flow cytometry-based method for determining spore forming rate of Bacillus thuringiensis, with two nucleic acid dyes, SYTO24 and LDS751. The method enables dynamic monitoring of spore, vegetative cell, and viable but non-culturable/dead cell proportions during the whole cultivation process, and spore forming rate could be gained within 30 min. Data of spore forming rate by FCM method is consistent with that by plate counting method, offering a faster and more efficient approach for assessing sporulation status in industrial Bacillus thuringiensis microbial pesticide production.

Management of Plant Diseases with Green Synthesized Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts

Nanotechnology is a rapidly advancing field that has effectively tackled various issues across multiple industries, including agriculture. Nanoparticles (NPs) can typically be synthesized using two different techniques: top-down approach and bottom-up approach. In top-down approach, NPs are generated by reducing the size of a larger material, resulting in agglomerates with nano sized particles. Bottom-up approach involves building nanoscale structures from atomic and molecular components. In agriculture, nanotechnology plays a role in the production of nanoscale fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Nanoparticles are used in plant disease management as well. The green synthesis of nanoparticles is often referred to as biosynthesis. It uses a range of biological sources like microorganisms or their derivatives as well as plant extracts, instead of synthetic chemicals, with minimal impact on human health and the environment. Green-synthesized nanoparticles (GSNPs) are known for their ease of production and cost-effectiveness. They offer several advantages, including their ability to induce systemic resistance to diseases and exhibit fungicidal and bactericidal properties.

Synthesis of a novel β-cyclodextrin chiral stationary phase and its application to the evaluation of the enantioselective bioaccumulation and elimination behavior of tebuconazole in Rana nigromaculata tadpoles

BackgroundThe increased production and use of chiral pesticides will enhance their exposure in the environment. Chiral pesticides typically exhibit varied biological effects among these enantiomers. Therefore, it is very essential to develop and validate chiral analytical methods to investigate their potential ecological risks from a stereoselective perspective. Current separation of pesticides enantiomers relies extensively on chiral stationary phases (CSPs), while the development of β-Cyclodextrin derivatives CSPs become the research focus due to their great modifiability and excellent chiral recognition capabilities. ResultsA novel chiral stationary phase, 3,5-dichlorophenylaminomethyl-6-phenylenediamine-β-cyclodextrin chemically bonded silica gel (MPDCDA), was successfully prepared. Based on that, a stereoselective HPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of tebuconazole enantiomers in Rana nigromaculata tadpoles. After extraction by QuEChERS, the tebuconazole enantiomers were completely separated with the resolutions of 1.63 using the mobile phase of methanol-water (70/30, v/v). Good linearity (r > 0.9990) for both enantiomers over a concentration range of 0.20–500.0 ng/mL was obtained with the accuracy ranged from 6.7 % to 9.3 % and the intra-day and inter-day precisions below 6.2 % at three quality control levels. The proposed method was successfully applied in evaluating the enantioselective bioaccumulation and elimination profiles of tebuconazole in tadpoles. At the tested conditions, there was no significantly enantioselective difference in the bioaccumulation process for S- tebuconazole and R-tebuconazole. However, the elimination process of tebuconazole enantiomers was enantioselective with R-tebuconazole preferentially degraded. SignificanceThis work provided an accurate risk assessment of chiral pesticides to non-target aquatic organisms from a stereoselective perspective. These findings would deepen our understanding of the potential ecological risks of chiral pesticides on aquatic organisms and provide scientific support for the protection of aquatic organisms and their ecological environments, as well as sustainable development.

Educational Attainment on the Production of Organic Fertilizer and Botanical Pesticides in Gumawang, Central Java, Indonesia: A Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Number 2

<p>The successful implementation of organic farming practices often hinges on factors beyond mere technological innovation, with socio-economic and educational variables playing crucial roles, especially in Gumawang, Central Java. This study aimed to provide insights into how educational interventions can contribute to achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) number 2 in rural communities in Gumawang, Central Java, Indonesia. The research investigates the relationship between education levels and the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices using a mixed-methods approach, which includes surveys, interviews, and observations. The results indicate a notable association between elevated educational attainment and the adoption of organic farming methodologies, encompassing the utilization of eco-friendly fertilizers and pesticides. Moreover, the research examines the significance of education in augmenting farmers’ understanding, competencies, and consciousness regarding sustainable agricultural methodologies, consequently making a valuable contribution to food security, environmental conservation, and rural advancement. The findings highlight the significance of educational interventions in promoting sustainable agriculture and furthering the sustainable SDGs, especially in rural communities such as Gumawang.</p>

A survey of water quality in areas of Albanian ports

This study report data on physical-chemical parameters and on concentrations of organic pollutants in marine water samples of Albanian ports. Nutrients, PH, temperature, conductivity, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, chlorines, sulfates, magnesium and calcium ions were the indicators used for evaluation of water quality. Also, organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, PAH and benzene) were determined in seawater samples. Albania is facing by Ionian and Adriatic seas in a coastline of more than 300 km. Several ports are in function in Albanian coastline. Ship transport and many activities (automobile transport, mechanical activities, deposits, etc.) are the main factors of water pollution in port areas. Water samples from seven ports (the main Albanian ports) starting from Saranda port in the South to Shengjini port in the North, were analyzed in this study. Sampling was realized in May 2023. Based on physical-chemical indicators the water in the port of Saranda was the cleanest water, while Porto-Romano, Petrolifera and the fishing port in Zvernec was the most polluted one. Organic pollutants were detected in all water samples. Presence of the degradation products of pesticides may be related with previous uses of them. Presence of PCBs can be because of atmospheric deposition (volatile congeners), water currents and mechanical businesses (heavy congeners). PAHs and Benzene were detected on more than 70% of the analyzed samples. Intense ship and automobile transport in the port areas, mechanical businesses discharge and hydrocarbon processing i(Petrolifera and Porto-Romano) can be main factor for their presence. Water currents and new arrivals from the rivers can influence the levels and profile of pollutants. The found levels of organic pollutants in water samples of Albanian ports were higher than reported levels in previous studies for the Adriatic Sea (Albania coastline).

Role of nanomaterials in modern agriculture

Agriculture is a foundation of several emerging countries, and it is one of the most economically significant drivers. Farmers, consumers, and the environment are all at risk as a result of the increased usage of mineral fertilizers and harmful pesticides. Over the last few years, substantial research into the application of Nanotechnology to boost agricultural productivity has been undertaken. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been discovered to be beneficial as nanopesticides, nanobiosensor, nanofertilizers, and nanoremediation in agrifood production. Nutrients, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides are compacted with a variety of NPs to facilitate the progressive release of fertilisers and pesticides, resulting in exact dose accessibility to plants. Nanofertilizers improve nutrient utilization, reduce nutrient deficiencies, reduce soil toxicity, and lessen the negative consequences of overdosing, all while reducing treatment frequency. Nanoformulations are used in agriculture to boost germination of seed, reduce nutrient losses in fertilization, reduce the amount of pesticides dispersed, aid water and nutrient management, and. This review also discusses various challenges and concerns about pesticide product development, formulation, and toxicity for ecologically friendly and sustainable agriculture.

Health risk assessment of triazole fungicides around a pesticide factory in China.

The environmental pollution and health effects caused by pesticide production have consistently garnered considerable research interest. In the present study, the concentrations of five triazole fungicides (TFs) in air, indoor dust, and diet were monitored around a pesticide factory in eastern China from November 2020 to May 2021. The levels of five TFs in each sample were determined via UPLC‒MS/MS. For a health risk assessment, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's deterministic method was applied. The findings revealed that the total concentrations of the five TFs around the monitoring area ranged from 0.29 to 5.85 ng/m3 in outdoor air, 287.4 to 9878.5μg/kg in indoor dust, 0.0578 to 4.948μg/kg in vegetables, and 0.447 to 3.00μg/kg in rice. Notably, tebuconazole and hexaconazole had consistently high contributions over the years. For adults and children, the average daily doses (ADDs) were 1.32 × 10-5 and 2.69 × 10-5mg/kg/day, respectively, in the monitoring area and 4.25 × 10-6 and 6.42 × 10-6mg/kg/day, respectively, in the control area. In the control area, rice and vegetables were the primary media for exposure to TFs in children and adults, collectively accounting for more than 94% of the total TF exposure. Conversely, indoor dust is identified as the main medium of TF exposure in children residing near the pesticide factory, representing approximately 40% of the total exposure. The risks of noncarcinogenic effects on children and adults in the monitoring area were significantly greater than those in the control area, being approximately ten times greater for children, warranting increased attention. The carcinogenic risk to human health is relatively safe.