HEFEI -- Chinese scientists have developed a new eco-friendly pesticide formulation that enhances pest control while being safer for crops and the environment.

The study, recently published in the journal ACS Nano, was conducted by the researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The study is aimed at tackling several challenges associated with traditional pesticides, which are often difficult to apply evenly on plant leaves, prone to being washed away by rain, or susceptible to rapid degradation when exposed to sunlight. Moreover, residual chemicals from pesticide formulations can pose significant risks to the environment.

The researchers used modified carbon dots and calcium carbonate particles as a carrier for abamectin, a widely used pesticide. This new approach enhances adhesion to leaves, resists degradation, and releases active ingredient gradually for sustained effectiveness.

Compared to traditional pesticides, the new formulation demonstrates a reduced impact on non-target creatures. Furthermore, after the pesticide releases its active ingredient, the remaining materials break down into harmless substances like calcium ions and carbon dots, making it much less likely to cause pollution.

"This new colloidal pesticide can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pesticides," said Wu Zhengyan, a professor at the HFIPS.