Long-Acting Sustained-Release Hydrogel for Soil-Borne Pathogen Control in Chinese Herbal Medicine

The Chinese herbal medicine industry plays a crucial role globally, providing traditional remedies and significantly contributing to healthcare. Disease prevention and control in Chinese herbal medicine face unique challenges distinct from conventional plant protection methods. The distinctive requirements for disease control add complexity to disease management, necessitating specialized approaches. In this study, we developed a bio-based hydrogel (CSA-gel) using a straightforward procedure designed for the sustained release of azoxystrobin for soil disinfection with the aim of preventing fungal diseases in Chinese herbal medicine. The synthesized hydrogel was characterized using FTIR, zeta potential measurement, cryo-TEM, SEM, and elemental analysis. CSA-gel demonstrated a release duration of azoxystrobin for over 14 days, maintaining high antifungal activity throughout the entire release period. Additionally, CSA-gel exhibited the ability to release a significant quantity of calcium ions during pesticide release, fostering plant growth and enhancing plant disease resistance. The use of CSA-gel is anticipated to decrease both how often and how much pesticide is needed, highlighting the significance of our research in improving sustainable disease control in traditional Chinese herbal medicine farming.