PARTNERSHIP: TUNABLE POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLE PLATFORM FOR CONTACT/SYSTEMIC CUS DELIVERY FOR CROP DISEASE MANAGEMENT

This proposal will focus on biopolymer-based tunable delivery of nanoscale CuS to crops as a novel and sustainable, multifunctional crop pathogen control strategy. The following objectives are proposed: Objective 1: Synthesize amphiphilic graft polymer from bioderived lignin (LGN) and polyester poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) at different LGN:PLGA ratios. Objective 2: Synthesize tunable CuS loaded LNPs of controlled properties (size, charge, targeting) from LGN-g-PLGA polymer. Objective 3: Evaluate LNPs as a potential contact/systemic delivery of CuS. Objective 4: Determine impact of LNPs on plant and insect health. Objective 5: Assess fate and impact of LNPs on the environment. The mechanisms of LNPs of various sizes, surface charges, and targeting to plant tissues will allow for specific LNP -guided CuS applications as a contact or systemic agrochemical.