Lignin–Chitosan Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Bioactive Natural Products against Wood-Decay Phytopathogens

The use of nanocarriers (NCs), i.e., nanomaterials capable encapsulating drugs and releasing them selectively, is an emerging field in agriculture. In this study, the synthesis, characterization, vitro vivo testing biodegradable NCs loaded with natural bioactive products was investigated for control certain phytopathogens responsible wood degradation. particular, based on methacrylated lignin chitosan oligomers, extracts from Rubia tinctorum, Silybum marianum, Equisetum arvense, Urtica dioica, were first assayed against Neofusicoccum parvum, aggressive fungus that causes cankers diebacks numerous woody hosts around world. antimicrobial activity most effective treatment further explored another fungal pathogen two bacteria related to trunk diseases: Diplodia seriata, Xylophilus ampelinus, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, respectively. Subsequently, it evaluated conditions, which applied by endotherapy grapevine diseases. mycelial growth inhibition tests, R. tinctorum resulted EC90 concentrations 65.8 91.0 μg·mL−1 N. parvum D. Concerning their antibacterial activity, a minimum inhibitory concentration 37.5 obtained both phytopathogens. Upon application via 20-year-old grapevines clear esca Botryosphaeria decay symptoms, no phytotoxicity effects observed (according SPAD chlorophyll fluorescence measurements) sugar content grape juice not affected either. Nonetheless, led noticeable decrease foliar symptoms as well higher yield treated arms compared (3177 vs. 1932 g/arm), suggestive high efficacy. Given advantages terms controlled release product savings, these may deserve research large-scale tests.