Agrochemicals, Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2026) – 10 articles

The foliar pathogens of wheat, particularly Zymoseptoria tritici and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, represent a significant threat to yield. We used a SEIR (Susceptible–Exposed–Infected–Removed) model to quantify epidemic dynamics based on different fungicide application strategies, focusing on the daily dynamic growth rate r(t) (net infection increase) and the removal rate γ(t) (loss infectious tissue) after BBCH 37. In Scenario A (treatment of seed with Systiva^®), the r(t) of Z. tritici was positive only during the early phase of the epidemic, followed by progressive suppression over time, while the r(t) for P. tritici-repentis remained negative throughout. Scenario B (seed treatment combined with foliar propiconazole) resulted in uniformly negative r(t) values for both pathogens, indicating stronger and sustained suppression. These findings highlight the practical utility of epidemic growth rate modeling for evaluating fungicide strategies and support integrated seed + foliar applications as a robust approach to disease management in wheat. Full article

Field-evolved resistance of Helicoverpa zea to crops expressing Cry insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widespread across the United States. To comparatively evaluate physiological factors associated with Bt susceptibility, we analyzed two laboratory strains (Benzon and SIMRU) and one field colony obtained from a commercial corn field near Pickens, Arkansas. Biochemical assays of larval midgut extracts showed that Pickens exhibited significantly altered activities of chymotrypsin-like proteases, aminopeptidase N (APN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared with the SIMRU or Benzon colonies, with differences varying by larval instar. In contrast, trypsin-like protease activities did not differ significantly among the three colonies. Gene expression analyses of ten serine protease genes and seven candidate Cry receptor genes (including cadherin, ATP-binding cassette family C2, ALP, and four APN genes) revealed significant transcriptional differences in the Pickens relative to the lab colonies. Collectively, these results suggest that chymotrypsin-like proteases may play an important role in the activation of Cry toxins in H. zea. Altered chymotrypsin and APN activities, together with differential gene expressions in the Pickens population, likely contribute to reduced Bt susceptibility. The biochemical and molecular differences provide insight into potential physiological factors underlying reduced Bt susceptibility and may inform future Bt resistance monitoring and management strategies. Full article

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera) is a polyphagous fly responsible for a huge loss in production of thin-skinned berries, usually controlled with low-selective synthetic pesticides, which can be toxic for biodiversity and human health. Biorational control of D. suzukii is challenging, despite many known lethal compounds, since most experiments happen in laboratory conditions, and agroecosystems include complex biotic and abiotic variables. Nanoencapsulation rises as an efficient alternative for optimizing pesticide development by protecting active ingredients and increasing selectivity. This review aimed to gather recent (over the last 5 years) research about plant-derived insecticides with the potential to control D. suzukii, examining their toxicity mechanisms and exposure methods, and to identify research gaps and perspectives, especially for nanoproducts. These efforts resulted in the selection of 31 articles, evaluating lethality and behavioral modulation caused by plant-based compounds, which exerted mainly attraction, repellency, and oviposition deterrence. Most studies were carried out under laboratory conditions, mostly testing plants from the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae botanical families, indicating essential oils as potential short-life pesticides against every life stage of D. suzukii, although their physicochemical instability limits field application. There are few studies addressing nano-pesticides for controlling D. suzukii, and these data contribute to botanical prospection for pesticide compounds and point to the development of plant-based nano-pesticides for controlling D. suzukii as a research gap with potential to enable field trials. Full article

The fungicide Imazalil (IMZ) is widely used to maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables after harvest. Despite its widespread use, the neurotoxic effects of IMZ remain poorly studied. Thus, in this work, we aimed to investigate the effects of subacute IMZ exposure on memory and learning, as well as on cholinesterase (ChE) activity, in orally exposed rats. To do so, Wistar rats were exposed to doses corresponding to 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 of the LD50 of IMZ. Each dose was divided into four equal parts and administered once daily for four consecutive days, while behavioral performance was assessed using the Barnes Maze. On day 5, we measured ChE activity in the hippocampus and serum. The enzymatic activity assays demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in both cholinesterase activities at 1/4 LD50 of IMZ. In addition, rats in the control group exhibited a typical learning curve in the Barnes maze, characterized by reduced latency and fewer attempts to locate the escape box from the first session (S1) to the final session (S4). The typical learning curve was prevented by a 1/4 LD50 treatment. Additionally, this dose prevented an increase in spatial navigation strategy use, observed in the control group (S1 vs. S4). To our knowledge, these results proved that IMZ inhibits in vivo the activity of both brain and serum ChEs, and exhibits evidence of learning and memory impairments, suggesting that IMZ has neurotoxic effects in rats, probably mediated by alterations in the cholinergic system. Full article

Maize is vital for food systems and rural livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Continuous cultivation depletes soil nutrients, reducing maize production. Inorganic (or mineral) fertilizers provide nutrients rapidly, but their cost and sustainability concerns have prompted interest in alternatives. Biological amendments improve nutrient uptake and soil structure and boost crop resistance, potentially cutting mineral fertilizer use. The present study aims to investigate the direct and residual effects of biological amendments (BAs) on maize productivity in the Eastern DRC, both when applied alone or combined with inorganic fertilizer, with trials conducted in the Kabare, Kalehe, and Ruzizi Plain regions from October 2022 to June 2024. Two trials across four seasons gathered data using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments and three replicates: Control, without fertilizer application; farmer practice; inorganic fertilizer (NPK 17-17-17 and urea); BA_1: Lactobacillus; BA_2: fish serum; BA_3: black soldier fly (BSF) compost; BA_1 + inorganic fertilizer; BA_2 + inorganic fertilizer; and BA_3 + inorganic fertilizer. The results identified three categories: integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers, single applications, and inconsistent uses. The best outcomes emerged from treatments combining Lactobacillus, fish serum, and BSF compost with inorganic fertilizer, positively impacting maize yield parameters. The study confirms that combining biological amendments and mineral fertilizers significantly (p < 0.001) enhances maize productivity in the Eastern DRC. Performance differences across locations emphasize the influence of local soil characteristics and targeted nutrient strategies. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive long-term assessment of dithiocarbamate (DTC) fungicide residues in foods consumed in Brazil, analyzing nearly two decades of official monitoring data from the Pesticide Residue Analysis Program (PARA/ANVISA) from 2001 to 2023. By integrating fragmented annual reports into a single temporal framework, this study offers a novel evaluation of detection frequencies, residue levels, and regulatory compliance over time. Of the 21,274 samples analyzed, 23.90% contained residues of these fungicides. Papaya showed the highest detection frequency (92.59%) in 2005, while apple showed the highest average percentage of detections (51.68%). Lettuce showed the highest residual levels (10.05 mg kg⁻¹) in samples from the 2017–2018 cycle, despite the lack of authorization for the use of these products in this crop. Strawberries and carrots showed concentrations above the maximum residue limit (MRL), with excesses. Residues of unauthorized pesticides were also detected in crops such as guava, pineapple, and sweet potato. Temporal correlations between detections and residues indicated significant variations among the foods evaluated, with potatoes, strawberries, and lettuce showing the highest residual levels. An overall declining trend in detections and residue concentrations was observed throughout the analyzed period, potentially reflecting improvements in regulatory oversight, agricultural practices, and analytical sensitivity over time. From a public health perspective, the persistence of elevated residues and unauthorized uses highlights the need for continuous surveillance, strengthened enforcement, and risk communication strategies to ensure food safety and consumer protection. Full article

The one health approach recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing that human health should never be threatened in the pursuit of agricultural productivity. Indeed, within agricultural systems, this approach is particularly relevant, as the overuse of chemical inputs and the mismanagement of organic wastes can directly threaten human health. Overuse of chemical inputs can result in various health disturbances and contribute to the development of acute or chronic human diseases. Likewise, organic wastes constitute potential human health risks due to the presence of pathogens in these wastes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Despite increasing research, many studies often lack integrated risk assessments of agrochemicals and organic waste within a “One Health” framework, leaving gaps in practical guidance for safe agricultural management. This review was conducted to address these gaps and answer the following questions: What are the human health risks associated with agrochemicals and mismanaged organic wastes? How can composting/compost mitigate these risks and support sustainable agricultural production? It examines the role of composting in managing organic wastes, producing high-quality compost, and reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals and pathogens. Furthermore, it outlines key characteristics of compost required to ensure safety for humans, plants, soil, and ecosystems. By integrating evidence on human health and crop productivity, this review provides insights for safe, sustainable agricultural practices within a unified One Health framework. Full article

Enzymes of the sulfur assimilation pathway represent promising candidates for selective herbicide development. This study investigated the effects of O-benzyl-serine (OBS), a newly identified inhibitor of O-acetylserine(thiol)-lyase (OAS-TL), on two C3 weed species, Ipomoea grandifolia and Euphorbia heterophylla. Plants were cultivated hydroponically for 12 days in the presence of OBS (0–500 µM). OBS inhibited root growth in both species in a dose-dependent manner, with I. grandifolia being more sensitive. OAS-TL activity decreased in the roots of I. grandifolia but increased in the leaves of E. heterophylla. Nutrient profiling revealed significant alterations in sulfur, magnesium, and calcium contents, associated with chlorosis and reduced root and leaf development. While photosynthetic performance appeared unaffected at the lowest OBS concentration tested (62.5 µM), higher doses drastically reduced leaf expansion, preventing further measurements. Given this marked decline in foliar development, it is reasonable to infer that the overall photosynthetic capacity of the plants was also negatively affected under severe OBS exposure. OBS also disrupted apical dominance, promoting lateral shoot formation. These findings demonstrate that OBS differentially affects sulfur metabolism and growth in a species- and organ-specific manner, supporting its potential as a prototype molecule for herbicides targeting novel biochemical pathways. Full article

The use of proteolytic enzymes in association with entomopathogenic fungi offers a promising alternative for improving the biological control of insect pests. This study evaluated the compatibility between Beauveria bassiana and papain and the effectiveness of their combined application in controlling Tenebrio molitor. Conidial viability in the presence of papain was monitored for 48 h and showed a reduction in germination from 100% to approximately 70%, without detrimental effects on fungal performance. Papain activity remained stable up to 12 h, declining afterward, indicating biochemical compatibility. Bioassays revealed significant differences among treatments (p < 0.01). In larvae, mortality ranged from 5.18 ± 0.19% in the control to 49.62 ± 2.00% with papain, 62.24 ± 0.58% with conidia, and 89.71 ± 1.06% in the combined treatment; papain and conidia alone did not differ statistically. In pupae, mortality reached 2.20 ± 0.00% in the control, 47.38 ± 0.69% with papain, 63.69 ± 0.69% with conidia, and 85.91 ± 0.84% with the combination, with all treatments differing significantly. Fungal reisolation confirmed typical B. bassiana development. Overall, the results show that papain does not compromise fungal viability and that its combination with B. bassiana enhances entomopathogenic activity, supporting its potential for integrated pest management. Full article

Uniform application of fertilizers and pesticides continues to dominate global agriculture despite significant spatial variability in soil and crop conditions. This mismatch results in avoidable yield gaps, excessive chemical waste, and environmental pressures, including nutrient leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Remote Sensing (RS) has emerged as a transformative framework for diagnosing this variability and enabling site-specific, climate-responsive management. This systematic synthesis reviews evidence from 2000–2025 to assess how AI–RS technologies optimize agrochemical efficiency. A comprehensive search across Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were used. Following rigorous screening and quality assessment, 142 studies were selected for detailed analysis. Data extraction focused on sensor platforms (Landsat-8/9, Sentinel-1/2, UAVs), AI approaches (Random Forests, CNNs, Physics-Informed Neural Networks), and operational outcomes. The synthesized data demonstrate that AI–RS systems can predict critical soil attributes, specifically salinity, moisture, and nutrient levels, with 80–97% accuracy in some cases, depending on spectral resolution and algorithm choice. Operational implementations of Variable-Rate Application (VRA) guided by these predictive maps resulted in fertilizer reductions of 15–30%, pesticide use reductions of 20–40%, and improvements in water-use efficiency of 25–40%. In fields with high soil heterogeneity, these precision strategies delivered yield gains of 8–15%. AI–RS technologies have matured from experimental methods into robust tools capable of shifting agrochemical science from reactive, uniform practices to predictive, precise strategies. However, widespread adoption is currently limited by challenges in data standardization, model transferability, and regulatory alignment. Future progress requires the development of interoperable data infrastructures, digital soil twins, and multi-sensor fusion pipelines to position these technologies as central pillars of sustainable agricultural intensification. Full article