CropWorld 2010: Nano formulations offer extra activity at lower doses

Most major agrochemical companies are exploring the potential of IOTA NanoSolutions nano-dispersion pesticide formulations, which laboratory and greenhouse experiments suggest are much more active at lower doses than conventional formulations, the firm’s director David Duncalf said.

But toxicological safety studies with the formulations had not yet begun, he admitted.

Nano-dispersions were created by producing tiny nano-particles, typically around 100-200 nanometres, of active ingredients that were usually insoluble in water, he explained.

By using IOTA NanoSolutions technique it allowed the active ingredient to be dispersed in water and be sprayed.

The formulation had a number of benefits including cutting the need for organic solvents within the formulation, which were used in current liquid formulations of insoluble active ingredients.

But the most exciting discovery was these formulations appeared to be much more active against the target pest, weed or fungus.

For example, a nano-dispersed formulation of tebuconazole was as effective at quarter dose against septoria as a full dose of a commercial formulation in greenhouse plant tests, he claimed. “It means you can use less and have the same effect.”

Another fungicide being developed had shown similar results against brown rust, while nano-dispersed isoproturon was more effective against resistant blackgrass than a SC formulation.

One explanation for the higher activity could be the formulation shows enhanced adhesion to targets, he suggested. In a trial on wheat plants in a greenhouse the nano-dispersed formulation retained around two-thirds of the active ingredient five days after application and following simulated rainfall, compared with just a third of a commercial formulation.

Other potential benefits included reduced packaging waste and shipping costs from a solid formulation, and for the agrochemical manufacturer, the ability to extend patent life of existing active ingredients.

The firm was working with partners to commercialise the technology, he told Farmers Weekly, but was unable to give a timeframe for first launches, although small field trials were on going.