An environment‐friendly formulation of bifenthrin nano controlled release agent based on PCN‐222 and biosafety in horticultural fields

Pyrethroids are widely used insecticides due to their efficacy and safety for humans, yet their toxicity to beneficial insects like bees remains a critical environmental concern. Developing controlled-release formulations to mitigate non-target toxicity and enhance pesticide efficiency is imperative for sustainable agriculture. In this experiment, two types of PCN-222 materials, with small and large particle sizes, were synthesized using a solvothermal method. Bifenthrin (Bif) was loaded onto PCN-222 to prepare the controlled-release agent Bif@PCN-222. The structure and properties of the prepared materials were characterized by morphology observation, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle measurements. The experimental findings indicated that Bif@PCN-222 demonstrated excellent release performance under alkaline conditions and exhibited better wettability on cabbage leaves compared to commercial formulations. Additionally, the Bif@PCN-222 controlled-release agent significantly improved resistance to UV photodegradation. Safety evaluations showed that Bif@PCN-222 had minimal impact on the growth of Zoysia grass and notably reduced toxicity to bees. These results show that we have successfully prepared Bif@PCN-222, which can enhance the pest control effect, reduce the toxicity to non - target organisms, and have a relatively small impact on plant growth and the number of soil microflora.