Site-Specific Controlled-Release Imidazolate Framework‑8\nfor Dazomet Smart Delivery to Improve the Effective Utilization Rate\nand Reduce Biotoxicity

An\naccurate controlled-release strategy of pesticides is considered\ndesirable in sustainable agriculture. A site-specific nanorelease\nsystem of dazomet (DZ) was proposed by employing the zeolitic imidazolate\nframework-8 composite (DZ@ZIF-8) by a one-pot method. The synthetic\nparameters of DZ@ZIF-8 were optimized, and the loading content of\nDZ was maximized. ZIF-8 endowed DZ with a pH-sensitive behavior. The\ncollapse of the DZ@ZIF-8 structure and the site-specific release of\nDZ were triggered by acidic substances produced by Botrytis cinerea. <i>In vitro</i> and pot\nexperiments showed that the fungicidal activity of DZ@ZIF-8 was about\n36.3 and 42.7% higher than that of DZ, respectively. DZ is conventionally\nused before a crop is planted because of its volatility and toxicity.\nHowever, DZ@ZIF-8 could avoid phytotoxicity of DZ to plants, which\nmade the application of DZ possible during plant growth. Moreover,\nthe acute toxicity to zebrafish changed from high to moderate levels.\nThis study highlights a potential strategy that improves DZ effective\nutilization and reduces side effects.