Enzyme/pH dual-stimuli responsive prochloraz nanopesticide controlled release system for kiwifruit soft rot disease control.

BACKGROUND

Kiwifruit soft rot is a devastating post-harvest disease that leads to significant economic losses in the kiwifruit industry. Although chemical pesticides can effectively inhibit pathogenic fungi, their conventional formulations still have disadvantages such as poor stability, low utilization rate, and high environmental risks. Therefore, developing environmentally friendly and multifunctional smart pesticide delivery system (PDS) is key to achieving sustainable plant disease control.

RESULTS

In this study, we developed a multifunctional PDS by using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as a nanocarrier for prochloraz (Pro) delivery. The nanopesticide (Pro-MSN-β-CD) exhibited high loading efficiency (68.74%) and demonstrated pH- and α-amylase-responsive controlled release behavior. In addition, it also exhibited enhanced foliar adhesion and rain erosion resistance performance. In vitro antifungal assays showed 100% inhibition of Botryosphaeria dothidea at 1 μg mL-1. Post-harvest trials on kiwifruit revealed superior protective (67.50%) and curative (58.59%) efficacy against soft rot. Biosafety assessments confirmed minimal phytotoxicity in mung bean germination tests.

CONCLUSION

The Pro-MSN-β-CD nanopesticide offered an efficient, biosafe, and environmentally friendly solution for controlling kiwifruit soft rot. Its stimuli responsive release and enhanced targeting performance provided a sustainable strategy for post-harvest disease management, contributing to the advancement of precision agriculture. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.