2021
Fungicide Seed Treatment with Lignin Nanoparticles
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Contributor/Checkoff:
Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Data ManagementDrone/UAS
Parent Project:
Fungicide Seed Treatment with Lignin Nanoparticles
Lead Principal Investigator:
Cristina Sabliov, Louisiana State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board
$25,000
Institution Funded:
Louisiana State University AgCenter
$25,000
Brief Project Summary:
Lignin, found in some plant cell walls, is a byproduct of paper production. A nanoparticle measures at the “nano”-scale, based on one-billionth of a meter. Combined, lignin in a nanoparticle form has the potential to deliver inputs to soybeans. This project engineers nanoparticles to carry agricultural inputs, starting with a soybean seed treatment fungicide. Research covers nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, testing the impact of nanoparticle seed treatment on soybean health and insect susceptibility and determining if nanoparticles with entrapped fungicides improve seedling disease control, plant stands, vigor, and yield.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #chemical companies, #Extension agents, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#fungicide, #nanotechnology, #seed treatment, #technology
Information And Results
Project Summary

Given the seedling diseases encountered by Louisiana soybean growers, it is proposed that fungicides entrapped in nanoparticles can be formulated into a coating able to protect seeds from fungal diseases during storage and the period immediately after seeding. It is hypothesized that a co-polymer synthesized from lignin and PLGA can be formed into biodegradable nanoparticles able to efficiently entrap fungicides (azoxystrobin as a model). The applied fungicide-loaded nanoparticles is expected to protect the seeds during storage for improved performance of the seed as measured by germination and plant health. Seedlings will be challenged with Rhizoctonia solani, a common soybean pathogen to assess whether the treatment will protect the plant.

Project Objectives

Objective 1: Nanoparticle synthesis and characterization. The co-polymer will be formed into nanoparticles by emulsion-evaporation method, and the physical-chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles will be measured (size, size distribution, stability, loading capacity and release kinetics).
Objective 2: Test the impact of nanoparticle seed treatment on soybean health and insect susceptibility. Treated seed will be sown in hydroponic and soil conditions, and plant health will be assessed by measuring plant biomass, root and stem lengths, water and nutrient absorption, and chlorophyll concentration. Plants will be tested for changes in insect susceptibility.
Objective 3: Determine if nanoparticles with entrapped fungicides improve seedling disease control, plant stands, vigor, and yield. Treated seed will be sown in hydroponic and/or sterilized growth medium that has been inoculated with R. solani. Plants will be monitored for differences in disease incidence and severity.

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

The applied fungicide-loaded nanoparticles is expected to protect the seeds during storage for improved performance of the seed as measured by germination and plant health.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.