Halloysite Nanotube-Based Pesticide Formulations with Enhanced Rain Erosion Resistance, Foliar Adhesion, and Insecticidal Effect

The incorporation of green and sustainable nanomaterials in pesticide formation is an effective method to lower the use of conventional pesticides without adverse effects on productivity. Here pesticide Pickering emulsions stabilized by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were developed for low cost, less environmental pollution, low toxic effects, and better emulsion stability. HNTs were added to chlorantraniliprole (CAP) emulsions, and good stability was exhibited due to the adsorption and aggregation of HNTs at the interface of CAP oil droplets, forming a three-dimensional network structure that prevented the emulsion from aggregation. In addition, Spodoptera frugiperda was used as a pest model and corn was used as a plant model to explore the washout resistance, insecticidal effect, and biological safety of HNTs–CAP emulsion. After spraying emulsion on corn leaves and washing for 10 min, the HNTs–CAP emulsion (5 wt % HNTs) pesticide residue rate was 2.7 times that of pristine CAP emulsion. When the HNT dispersion concentration was 2 wt %, the larva mortality was 83%, which was 1.5 times that of the CAP emulsion group. These results demonstrated that HNTs–CAP emulsion showed good foliar adhesion, rainfall resistance, and insecticidal effect. The tubular clay-based nanopesticide formulations show potential applications in the control of crop pests with modern agriculture technology.