{"title":"Managing Dyeing Effluents by Upcycling Expended Bacterial Biomass Remains from PHB Production: A Zero-Waste-Inspired Eco-Efficient Biorefinery Approach","authors":"Shiva Aley Acharjee, Shisak Sharma, Pranjal Bharali, Dipak Sinha, D. Ramachandran, Viswanathan Kanagasabai, Bendangtula Walling","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00208","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymer results in a considerable quantity of residual bacterial biomass (RBB) following PHB extraction. The RBB, regarded as zero-value waste, can be tuned and modified into activated carbon through pyrolysis utilizing potassium hydroxide. This study intends to develop a bacterial biomass activated carbon (BBAC) adsorbent derived from RBB for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. The batch adsorption approach yielded a maximum removal efficacy of 99.67% at an adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g/L, a contact period of 60 min, a concentration of 40 mg/L, a pH of 8, and a temperature of 298 K. A maximum equilibrium adsorption of 32.14 mg/g was attained at pH 8. The adsorption characteristics of the adsorbate on BBAC were optimally represented by the Langmuir model [correlation coefficient (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup>) = 0.989] and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption process appears to be exothermic, as exhibited by the thermodynamic characteristics. Furthermore, the adsorption process is readily reversible, allowing the adsorbate to be reused even after the fifth cycle. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) simulations indicated that the adsorption of MB onto the BBAC adsorbent is advantageous. The carboxyl group demonstrated the most significant impact on the adsorption process among the examined oxygen functional groups, displaying the greatest negative adsorption energy of –68.756 kJ/mol. The BBAC originating from RBB possesses considerable potential for efficiently eliminating MB dye pollutants from wastewater.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 9","pages":"1851–1866"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149003711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Natasha N. Magni, Helena Silva, Diana C. G. A. Pinto
{"title":"Environmental Modulation of the Lipophilic Profile of the Edible Salicornia perennis: Nutritional and Agricultural Insights","authors":"Natasha N. Magni, Helena Silva, Diana C. G. A. Pinto","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00062","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Halophytes are plants uniquely adapted to saline environments and offer potential applications in the food industry. This study evaluates the perennial halophyte <em>Salicornia perennis</em> as a source of lipophilic compounds with nutritional relevance. The lipophilic profile of <em>S. perennis</em>, collected from three distinct salt marshes in Portugal, was established to uncover its nutritional potential. Lipophilic constituents were extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. An integrated relative stress level, based on sedimentary and hydrodynamic conditions, characterized the environmental context of each sampling site. Statistical analyses revealed significant variation in the chemical profile across sites, highlighting the capacity of <em>S. perennis</em> to adjust its nutritional composition to different salt-marsh microhabitats. These results indicate biochemical plasticity in response to distinct salt-marsh microhabitats. At the lower-stress, sandy, better-drained Mira microhabitat, plants accumulated higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and fatty alcohols. In contrast, the more waterlogged, clay-rich Ílhavo microhabitat showed higher levels of sugars and saturated lipids, whereas São Jacinto showed a distinct profile enriched in small organic acids and β-sitosterol. These findings support the potential of <em>S. perennis</em> as an edible halophyte and candidate crop for saline agriculture, while showing that local sedimentary and hydrodynamic conditions modulate its lipophilic nutritional profile.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 9","pages":"1807–1819"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149010703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Micronutrient-Driven Modulation of Growth, Macromolecules, Bioactives, and Antioxidant Defense in Muskmelon Microgreens for an Enriched Functional Food Value","authors":"Narendra Dave, Firdaus Banu, Tripti Gour, Ratan Lal, Vibhuti Singh, Sachin Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Kuldeep Sharma","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.5c00826","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.5c00826","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The current research assessed the influence of two key micronutrients, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), on muskmelon (<em>Cucumis melo</em> L.) microgreens, revealing comparative impacts on growth, photosynthesis, biochemical responses, and stress modulation. Differential and distinct nutrient-specific effects were observed, as iron-fortified microgreens were distinguished by improved shoot elongation, elevated levels of chlorophyll and antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX). While, zinc encouraged carotenoid accumulation, elevated levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants [total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total ascorbic acid (vitamin C)], greater biomass production, and improved root development. Reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both treatments indicated improved membrane stability, with ZnSO<sub>4</sub> proving more effective in mitigating oxidative stress. A concurrent micronutrient-induced substantial enhancement in macromolecules, like proteins, carbohydrates, and antioxidants, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and ascorbate content, etc., further strengthened the idea that the addition of two key micronutrients (Fe and Zn) had improved the dietary value of muskmelon microgreens. Further, the fibrous texture and refreshing sensory profile of muskmelon microgreens supported their versatile integration into diverse dietary formats, positioning them as novel candidates for detoxification and wellness applications, leveraging their potential roles in functional food development. Incorporating these naturally sweetened, micronutrient-fed microgreens into daily meals may serve as an effective, natural, and functional food solution for sustaining energy levels, supporting nutritional diversity, and enhancing overall well-being in a health-conscious manner. The reliability and robustness of the present results were also validated with multivariate statistical tools like PCA, correlation, and radar plot analyses. The current findings underscore targeted and precise micronutrient management in optimizing plant growth and stress tolerance to address micronutrient deficiencies, increase antioxidant defense, and promote healthy consumption with longterm health and disease prevention to make a contribution toward achieving the global sustainable development goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 9","pages":"1736–1750"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149010635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sustainable Extraction of Tagetes erecta L.: Comparative Metabolomics and Antifungal Activity against Grapevine Pathogens","authors":"Nurkanat Meirbekov, Kazhybek Ashimuly, Yerkanat Syrgabek, Gulnaz Mombekova, Rebeca López-Serna, Mereke Alimzhanova","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00326","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00326","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The spread of fungicide-resistant pathogens has increased interest in plant-based antifungal agents for agricultural applications. We compared subcritical CO<sub>2</sub> extraction (SbFE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), hot reflux extraction (HRE), and Soxhlet extraction (SE) to determine their effects on the metabolite composition of <em><em>Tagetes erecta</em></em> L. and antifungal efficacy against <em>Botrytis cinerea</em>. GC–MS and UHPLC–QTOF–MS analyses, combined with chemometric methods, revealed method-specific metabolite profiles. SbFE selectively enriched thiophene derivatives and sesquiterpenes, while UAE yielded the broadest range of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. HRE recovered thermostable terpenes, whereas SE concentrated phenolic compounds and sterols but lacked thiophenes due to thermal degradation. Despite these chemical differences, both SbFE and SE preparations produced complete inhibition of <em>B. cinerea</em> under the applied test conditions (30.0 mm inhibition zones), apparently through distinct mechanisms: phototoxic thiophene-terpenoid activity versus phenolic-sterol membrane disruption. Principal component analysis confirmed clear separation between extraction methods. These results demonstrate that extraction technique must be selected according to target compound classes and intended antifungal mechanisms: SbFE for phototoxic applications, SE for contact biocides, and UAE for broad-spectrum screening.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 9","pages":"1923–1934"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149003740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Johanna Pedersen, Anna Holm Støckler, Flavia Dela Pierre, Sasha D. Hafner, Anders Feilberg, Jesper Nørlem Kamp
{"title":"Ammonia Emission from Field-Applied Pig Slurry and Digestate: Effects of Solid–Liquid Separation and Biochar Addition","authors":"Johanna Pedersen, Anna Holm Støckler, Flavia Dela Pierre, Sasha D. Hafner, Anders Feilberg, Jesper Nørlem Kamp","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00417","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00417","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Solid–liquid AC:separation is proposed to mitigate ammonia emission after field application of slurry, but evidence for pig slurry and digestate remains limited, particularly when emission from both fractions is included. This study quantified ammonia emission from unseparated pig slurry and digestate and their corresponding liquid and solid fractions across six field trials using dynamic flux chambers. Additional trials assessed biochar amendment to separated fractions. Application of liquid fractions reduced emission by 58% (digestate) and 71% (pig slurry) relative to unseparated materials, while emission from solid fractions was highly variable and, in some cases, exceeded those from unseparated slurry (% TAN). Aggregated ammonia emission, calculated by combining fraction-specific losses with separation efficiency, was consistently lower than from unseparated slurry under most scenarios (reductions: 29–88%). Because separation efficiencies could not be measured directly in this study, these aggregated, system-level estimates rely on literature-derived TAN partitioning scenarios. In the tested materials and at the tested amendment rates, biochar addition tended to increase ammonia emission, likely due to increased pH and dry matter concentration. Results demonstrate that separation reduces ammonia emission when evaluated at the system level but requires appropriate management of solid fractions.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 9","pages":"1947–1958"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149010632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aura Natalia Jiménez-Medrano, Johana Carolina Soto-Sedano, Stanislav Magnitskiy, Teresa Mosquera-Vásquez
{"title":"Allelic Diversity of Candidate Genes Underlying Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Potato","authors":"Aura Natalia Jiménez-Medrano, Johana Carolina Soto-Sedano, Stanislav Magnitskiy, Teresa Mosquera-Vásquez","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00044","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Potato is a globally important food crop, but its production faces major challenges related to inefficient nitrogen fertilizer use. Excessive nitrogen application, particularly in intensive agricultural systems, compromises sustainability and increases environmental and health risks. Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), defined as the capacity of plants for nitrogen uptake and assimilation, is therefore essential to optimize fertilization practices and enhance sustainable crop production. In this study, we analyzed candidate genes associated with NUE in a diploid potato diversity panel (<em>Solanum tuberosum</em> Group Phureja) by evaluating morphological, physiological, and biochemical variables under contrasting nitrogen levels. Association analyses were performed between these variables and genetic polymorphisms within NUE-related genes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in three candidate genes: <em>AMT1.1</em> (ammonium transporter), <em>2OGDD</em> (2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase), and <em>PPR</em> (pentatricopeptide repeat protein gene). These variants explained 8–20% of the phenotypic variation in traits such as relative chlorophyll content, aerial biomass, and NUE. Notably, a missense variant (Lys → Glu) in <em>2OGDD</em> was associated with a 30.5% reduction in NUE under low nitrogen conditions, suggesting distinct adaptive strategies. Specific SNPs were associated with NUE-related traits, representing candidate variants for future functional validation and marker-assisted breeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 9","pages":"1795–1806"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149010634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Experimental Hydrogen Purification from Biogas of Pineapple Residues Using Coconut Husk Biochar: Energy Recovery and Sustainability Assessment","authors":"Gabriela Emi Jodai Sakuraba, Larissa Castro Ampese, Thaís Eliel de Souza, Reinaldo Cesar, Hudson Giovani Zanin, Montserrat Perez Garcia, Tânia Forster-Carneiro","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00616","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00616","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Agro-industrial residues, such as pineapple waste and coconut husk, offer significant potential for dark-fermentative biogas production and waste valorization by anaerobic digestion (AD). This study evaluates pineapple residues and coconut husk biochar for biohydrogen production and purification, respectively, aiming to optimize biohydrogen generation and support sustainable waste-to-energy solutions. Maximum hydrogen fractions of 71.8% (before biochar treatment) and 81.7% (after biochar treatment) were achieved in dark-fermentative (DF) biogas (H<sub>2</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub>) on days 16 and 17, respectively. The coconut husk biochar purification system demonstrated a maximum CO<sub>2</sub> removal efficiency of 65.7% as a preliminary concept. Biochar saturation begins on day 19. The functional groups on the biochar in CO<sub>2</sub> adsorption indicate their involvement in the adsorption process. Structural changes, such as pore filling, were observed after CO<sub>2</sub> adsorption. Electricity generation from 1 ton of pineapple waste was 144.17 moles of H<sub>2</sub>, which could generate 4.75 kWh of electricity using a 50% efficient fuel cell. Fuel cells offer a clean energy solution and are suitable for a range of applications, including stationary electricity generation and vehicle propulsion. The Path2Green metric achieved a score of 0.523; the AGREE metric scored 0.62; and the GAPI metric scored 85, all indicating strong adherence to green analytical principles and sustainability. The conclusion highlights the potential of pineapple residues and coconut husk biochar for biohydrogen production and purification.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 9","pages":"1987–2003"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149003712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xin Yang, Siew Cheong Wong, Liya Ge, Wei Ping Chan, Grzegorz Lisak
{"title":"Contrasting Physiological Responses of Noni Seedlings to Acidic and Alkaline Soils and Their Differential Response to Biochar Amendment","authors":"Xin Yang, Siew Cheong Wong, Liya Ge, Wei Ping Chan, Grzegorz Lisak","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00053","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The rapid expansion of <em><em>Morinda citrifolia</em></em> L. (noni) cultivation in tropical regions is driven by its recognized medicinal value, yet little is known about its agronomic and physiological responses to different soil environments. In particular, the effects of soil acidity on noni seedling performance and product safety remain poorly understood. This study investigated the growth and photosynthetic responses of noni seedlings in two contrasting soils—alkaline cambisols and acidic ferralsols—and evaluated the role of biochar in soil amendment. Seedlings performed better in alkaline cambisols than in acidic ferralsols, where higher aluminum and manganese concentrations were detected in aboveground tissues. Interestingly, although leaf photosynthetic rates were higher in acidic soil, seedlings exhibited a broader range of light adaptation under alkaline conditions, indicating distinct physiological responses to soil environments. Biochar application significantly enhanced seedling biomass in acidic soil but had detrimental effects in alkaline soil. These findings reveal a strong soil-dependent physiological response of noni seedlings and demonstrate that biochar amendment must be tailored to the soil type. The study provides new agronomic insight into noni cultivation and highlights the importance of soil-specific management for the sustainable production of this medicinal crop.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 8","pages":"1434–1444"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148729389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guilherme Arruda da Silva, Lucas Henrique Maldonado da Silva, Theisa Caroline de Assis, Marcia Regina Rodrigues Tanaka, Marciane Magnani, Tatiana Colombo Pimentel, Carlos Eduardo Barão
{"title":"Dual Application of Ultrasound for Chlorella vulgaris Extraction of Bioactives and Pepper Seeds (Capsicum annuum) Priming with Agronomic and Biochemical Responses","authors":"Guilherme Arruda da Silva, Lucas Henrique Maldonado da Silva, Theisa Caroline de Assis, Marcia Regina Rodrigues Tanaka, Marciane Magnani, Tatiana Colombo Pimentel, Carlos Eduardo Barão","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00251","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Slow and non-uniform germination limits pepper (<em>Capsicum annuum</em>) stand establishment, demanding strategies that effectively enhance seed physiological performance. This study evaluated a two-step ultrasound-based approach combining ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> with extract-mediated sonopriming of pepper seeds. The extract selected for priming showed the highest phenolic content (28.37 mg GAE L<sup>–1</sup>) and indole-3-acetic acid level (1.722 µg mL<sup>–1</sup>). Seeds were sonoprimed under different ultrasound power–time combinations, and germination, vigor, seedling growth, and redox-related responses were assessed. Ultrasound conditions markedly affected seed performance, with 60% power for 20 min achieving ∼91% germination, the highest vigor (366.73), and the greatest seedling length (4.03 cm). Enhanced performance was associated with intermediate superoxide dismutase activity (∼350.03 U mg<sup>–1</sup> protein) and a redox-related biochemical profile compatible with improved post-germination physiological status. Multivariate analysis supported a distinct and efficient sonopriming cluster, while SEM revealed localized seed-coat modifications without structural damage. Controlled ultrasound is therefore crucial for translating microalgal bioactives into physiological benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 8","pages":"1534–1547"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148729404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Peng Xu, Mi Tang, Ruotong Wang, Weishan Shi, Gang Xing, Liancheng Nan, Weijie Liu, Lei Yu
{"title":"Sodium Alginate-Encapsulated ZIF-8 Nanoparticles for Enhanced Foliar Adhesion and pH-Responsive Delivery of Tebuconazole","authors":"Peng Xu, Mi Tang, Ruotong Wang, Weishan Shi, Gang Xing, Liancheng Nan, Weijie Liu, Lei Yu","doi":"10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00259","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.6c00259","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The development of functional nanopesticides is crucial for improving pesticide utilization efficiency and represents a major research direction in pesticide formulation. In this study, a sodium alginate-coated metal–organic framework (ZIF-8@SA) was used as a carrier to construct a tebuconazole (Teb) nano-delivery system, Teb/ZIF-8@SA, featuring foliar adhesion and pH-responsive release properties. The structure and performance of the system were systematically investigated. Results showed that Teb/ZIF-8@SA had an average particle size of approximately 394.14 nm and a pesticide loading capacity of 25.73% w/w. Its deposition on cabbage leaves was 1.29 times higher than that of a tebuconazole suspension. After simulated rainfall, the retention of active ingredient on leaves was 4.25 times greater than that of the suspension. The system exhibited distinct pH-responsive release behavior, with cumulative release rates of 61.89% at pH 7 and 89.21% at pH 5 over 84 h. Plant absorption and translocation experiments demonstrated that, seven days after foliar application, Teb content in leaves, stems, and roots of cucumber plants was 3.18, 2.59, and 1.13 times higher, respectively, compared to the suspension treatment, indicating effective uptake and translocation. In plate antifungal assays, Teb/ZIF-8@SA showed a 25.43% higher inhibition rate against <em>Fusarium graminearum</em> than the suspension. Moreover, acute toxicity to zebrafish was nearly tenfold lower for Teb/ZIF-8@SA than for the Teb suspension. In conclusion, this foliar-adhesive and pH-responsive nano-delivery system offers a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture development.</p>","PeriodicalId":93846,"journal":{"name":"ACS agricultural science & technology","volume":"6 8","pages":"1548–1559"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148729598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}