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Zoxamide accumulation and retention evaluation after nanosuspension technology application in tomato plant
Author(s) -
Corrias Francesco,
Melis Anna,
Atzei Alessandro,
Marceddu Salvatore,
Dedola Fabrizio,
Sirigu Antonella,
Pireddu Rosa,
Lai Francesco,
Angioni Alberto
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.6404
Subject(s) - solubility , zeta potential , acicular , pesticide , solvent , chemistry , aqueous solution , chemical engineering , particle size , deposition (geology) , pulmonary surfactant , carbaryl , materials science , chromatography , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , agronomy , microstructure , paleontology , biochemistry , engineering , sediment , biology , crystallography
BACKGROUND Low water solubility of pesticide requires formulations with high levels of stabilizers and organic solvents. Moreover, only 0.1% of the applied pesticides formulation reaches the target, while 99.9% spreads in the surrounding environment. Therefore, there is the need for more efficient and environmentally sustainable alternatives. RESULTS Zoxamide (ZO) nanosuspension was prepared through a media milling technique by using the stabilizer polysorbate 80. The thin and acicular crystals obtained, showed particle size of 227 nm, polydispersion index of 0.247 and zeta potential of −28 mV. Dimensional data and morphology of ZO nanocrystals alone, on tomato leaves and berries, were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The reduction in size for ZO crystals obtained after the milling process increased pesticide water solubility till 39.6 mg L −1 , about 1.6 the solubility obtained with a conventional commercial formulation. Field and dip contamination trials performed on tomato plants showed the nanosuspension's ability to increase ZO deposition and accumulation versus a coarse ZO suspension and commercial formulation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The nanoformulation proposed, resulted in low cost and was easy to make. Moreover, the organic solvent‐free composition together with a low surfactant addition assured a minor environmental impact. Finally, the increased retention and deposition of the fungicide can reduce the amounts of ZO formulation applied to tomatoes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.