Pyroxasulfone and Isoproturon Nanosuspensions for Sustainable Wheat Production: Efficacy, Safety, and Yield Benefits

Wheat production, vital for global food security, faces significant threats from weed competition. Conventional herbicide formulation with high application dosage raises environmental concerns, driving the need for efficient, low-dosage delivery systems such as nanoherbicides. Herein, the pyroxasulfone nanosuspension and isoproturon nanosuspension with Z-average particle sizes less than 250 nm were prepared by wet media milling. The prepared nanosuspensions exhibited excellent storage and dilution stability. Field trials showed that the pyroxasulfone and isoproturon nanosuspension significantly enhanced the herbicidal activity against Alopecurus japonicus, Alopecurus aequalis, and Beckmannia syzigachne, and Moreover, wheat did not exhibit noticeable symptoms of damage after being treated pyroxasulfone and isoproturon nanosuspensions, and the wheat ear count, grain number, and grain yield were significantly increased compared to the blank control. These findings provide valuable insights into economical and efficient management in wheat fields, thereby contributing to herbicide dosage and environmental risks.