The Release Mechanism of pH/Near-Infrared Dual-Triggered Core–Shell Nanopesticide and Inhibition of Sclerotinia Disease

Abstract Nanopesticides offer a promising strategy for sustainable crop protection through controlled delivery and stimuli-responsive release. Here, a core–shell nanopesticide, Pro@SDS-LDH@PDA (PSLD), was constructed by loading prochloraz (Pro) into SDS-modified layered double hydroxide (SDS-LDH), followed by polydopamine (PDA) coating. PSLD exhibited pH/NIR dual-responsive release, with Pro release increasing 2.7-fold under mildly acidic conditions and 2.6-fold under 808 nm NIR irradiation. PSLD showed stronger and more sustained antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum than free Pro. PDA coating improved foliar wettability and rainfastness, reducing contact angles on choy sum and chili pepper leaves by 12.2° and 12.8°, respectively. High-speed imaging further showed enhanced droplet spreading and reduced rebound on hydrophobic surfaces. Biosafety assays indicated good compatibility with wheat seeds, earthworms, and Escherichia coli. These results demonstrate the potential of PSLD for efficient and sustainable management of Sclerotinia disease.