Unravelling the behaviour of inorganic (nano)phases in leaves to optimize the foliar delivery of sustainable agrochemicals

Introduction

Population growth and the expected increase in (a)biotic stresses due to climate change are putting the agro-ecosystems under pressure. The dependence on inorganic agrochemicals (IAs) for fertilization and plant protection will lead to an increase in their use.

Current Challenges

Yet, current IAs do not efficiently reach their target. They lead to:

• Waste of resources
• Pollution
• Environmental degradation

Proposed Solution

Foliar application of nanostructures is one of the proposed solutions to optimize IAs in order to better protect crops and their agro-ecosystem. Nano-IAs can exhibit:

• Reduced leaf leaching
• Increased bioavailability

This allows for the precise application of the right dose of IA. However, the lack of knowledge on IA behavior at the leaf interface hinders our ability to predict optimized nanostructures.

Project Objectives

The LEAPHY project aims to establish a rationale for the design of such nano-IAs. The specific objectives include:

1. Designing model nano-IAs with controlled morphologies and surface properties.
2. Exposing these nano-IAs to isolated plant cells or model leaves characterized for their surface characteristics and interfacial functional groups.
3. Quantifying the pathways and associated rates of uptake, transformations, and in planta behavior.

Predictive Modelling Framework

These results will be used to establish a predictive modelling framework for the biological and chemical interactions that govern:

• IA adhesion
• Uptake
• Translocation from leaves to other plant tissues and organs

Application of Knowledge

This knowledge will be leveraged to design and test bio- and geo-inspired copper-based fertilizers and pesticides with improved delivery efficacy.

Team Expertise

The team's expertise in tuning (in)organic reactivity at plant interfaces and studying the resulting interactions and speciation changes is the backbone of LEAPHY's state-of-the-art experimental strategy.

Conclusion

This project will be a cornerstone in implementing solutions to contribute to building a rationale for safe foliar phytoprotection and fertilization strategies.