Two Birds with One Stone: Eco-Friendly Nano-Formulation Endows a Commercial Fungicide with Excellent Insecticidal Activity

Abstract

The development of multi-action pesticides presents significant advantages, including cost-effectiveness, reduced application frequency, enhanced resistance management, and minimized environmental impact. Despite its efficacy in targeting chitin synthase in both fungi and insects, the insecticidal performance of polyoxin B remains limited. To overcome this limitation, a novel nano-formulation, polyoxin B@ZTS is developed, utilizing agricultural byproducts, tea saponin, and zein. This formulation features a small particle size, high leaf deposition efficiency, and excellent dispersion properties. Leveraging a disulfide bond system, polyoxin B@ZTS is designed to respond to the intracellular reducing environment, enabling controlled release of polyoxin B. Remarkably, the nano-formulation facilitates the penetration of physiological barriers, achieving equivalent insecticidal and fungicidal efficacy to polyoxin B at only one-fifth of the dosage. This work highlights the potential of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and multifunctional nano-pesticides, providing a compelling solution for sustainable agricultural practices and demonstrating broad applicability in integrated pest and disease management.