Applications of supramolecular materials in plant protection
have
attracted significant interest in recent years. To develop a feasible
method to improve the efficacy and reduce the usage of chemical pesticides,
the effect of calix[4]arene (C4A) inclusion on enhancing the insecticidal
activity of commercial insecticides was investigated. Results showed
that all three tested insecticides (chlorfenapyr, indoxacarb, and
abamectin) with distinct molecular sizes and modes of action were
able to form stable 1:1 host–guest complexes with C4A through
simple preparation steps. The insecticidal activities of the complexes
against Plutella xylostella were effectively
enhanced compared to the guest molecule, with the synergism ratio
being up to 3.05 (for indoxacarb). An obvious correlation was found
between the enhanced insecticidal activity and the high binding affinity
between insecticide and C4A, while the improvement in water solubility
may not be a determining factor. The work would provide hints for
the further development of functional supramolecular hosts as synergists
in pesticide formulations.
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