pH-Responsive MOF\nNanoparticles Equipped with Hydrophilic\n“Armor” Assist Fungicides in Controlling Peanut Southern\nBlight

The development of novel, safe, and efficient pest and\ndisease\ncontrol technologies for agricultural crops remains a pivotal area\nof research. In this study, by combining ZIF-8 and ZIF-90, a water-stable,\npH-responsive bilayer MOF nanoparticle (NP) named Z8@Z90 was created,\nand tebuconazole (TEB) was added to form T@Z8@Z90, used for controlling\npeanut southern blight. The loading efficiency of TEB within the T@Z8@Z90\nreached 26.15%, enabling rapid release in acidic environments triggered\nby oxalic acid (OA) secreted by <i>Sclerotium rolfsii</i>. In vitro experiments showed that T@Z8@Z90 can regulate the oxalic\nacid secretion of <i>S. rolfsii</i> and destroy its cell\nmembrane structure. Additional experiments revealed that T@Z8@Z90\nreduced sclerotial formation, decreased the total protein content\nof sclerotia, and influenced their sensitivity to pesticides, thereby\nmitigating the risk of reinfection by <i>S. rolfsii</i>.\nNotably, T@Z8@Z90 exhibited efficient translocation within peanut\nseedlings, being absorbed through the roots and transported to the\nleaves. At a concentration of 200 mg/L, T@Z8@Z90 exhibited high safety\nprofiles for peanut seedling growth compared to the TEB suspension.\nMoreover, T@Z8@Z90 is safer for earthworms than TEB SC. Overall, this\nstudy offers valuable insights for the management of soil-borne diseases\nin agriculture and contributes to the advancement of sustainable agricultural\npractices.