Enhanced systemic translocation and photolysis resistance of emamectin-lufenuron composite nano-formulations achieved by utilizing urea-formaldehyde resin as a carrier

The application of traditional pesticide preparations is prone to rapid degradation and subsequent loss of efficacy due to environmental factors. Moreover, the bioavailability of contact-killing pesticides is significantly influenced by their limited systemic translocation in plants. To overcome these limitations, nano-formulation emerges as an optimal solution. The composite nano-formulation of emamectin benzoate and lufenuron (EB-LF@UF) was successfully developed using liquid urea-formaldehyde resin as the carrier, with a particle size ranging from 50 to 100 nm. Compared to the conventional emamectin benzoate and lufenuron composite microemulsion (EB-LF-ME), EB-LF@UF showed significantly improved resistance against photolysis, extending the photolysis half-life T 0.5 of both emamectin benzoate and lufenuron by 4.4 and 4.5 times respectively. Coating with urea formaldehyde resin notably enhanced systemic translocation of pesticide components within plant tissues, while also demonstrating excellent sustained release performance, higher insecticidal toxicity and biosecurity than its corresponding EB-LF-ME formulation. The photolysis resistance and systemic translocation of emamectin benzoate and lufenuron composite nano-formulation were enhanced by employing urea-formaldehyde resin as a carrier. Consequently, for field pest control applications, EB-LF@UF composite nano-formulation can serve as an efficacious alternative to conventional emamectin benzoate and lufenuron composite microemulsion. The emamectin benzoate-lufenuron@urea-formaldehyde resin (EB-LF@UF) nano-formulation with enhanced photolysis resistance and systemic translocation was successfully developed. • A composite nano-formulation of emamectin benzoate and lufenuron (EB-LF@UF) was prepared. • Nano-formulation use urea-formaldehyde resin as carrier and possesses 50–100 nm particle size. • Nano-formulation shows excellent photolysis resistance and sustained-release. • Nano-formulation displays a longer insecticidal duration than general suspension. • Nano-formulation enhanced systemic translocation of pesticides.