WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Copper compounds have long been used as broad-spectrum pesticides in agriculture to repress plant diseases. However, the abundance of copper currently in use has led to concerns over environmental accumulation and the development of disease resistance in pathogens. 

UW-Madison researchers have created copper-phosphate nanosheets, which have demonstrated superior effectiveness in controlling plant disease and increasing yield compared to copper solutions and copper-oxide nanoparticles. The increase in efficacy is due to the nanosheet structure, which allows for a more rapid release of copper ions. This necessitates fewer applications with lower concentrations of copper to achieve results comparable to existing copper pesticides, thereby reducing the environmental burden associated with copper accumulation. Additionally, the size of these nanosheets can be modified to better suit specific plant systems, while the incorporation of additives such as stabilizers, surfactants, fertilizers and insecticides provides versatility for various targeted applications. Beyond copper, the composition of the nanosheets can also be modified to use a variety of metals and coordinating anions. 

• Helps suppress plant disease and improve crop yields
• Can be used to deliver micronutrients to plants

• Releases ions more efficiently
• Fewer applications are needed
• Reduces metal accumulation in the environment and the probability of pathogens developing resistance to copper
• Nanosheets can be modified to better suit specific plant systems.
• Compatible with additives for various applications

The researchers’ results show that copper-phosphate nanosheets provide more effective and efficient control of disease in watermelon, soybean and tomato compared to copper-sulfate solutions and copper-oxide nanoparticles. 

For More Information About the Inventors

• Robert Hamers

Tech Fields

• Animals, Agriculture & Food : Plant health