Nanometerization of thiamethoxam by a cationic star polymer nanocarrier efficiently enhances the contact and plant‐uptake dependent stomach toxicity against green peach aphids

Abstract BACKGROUND The utilization efficiency of conventional insecticides is comparatively low in agricultural production, which leads to their excessive application and environmental pollution. Insecticide nanometerization by polymers and polymeric materials has advantages, particularly increased utilization efficiency and reduced insecticide application. RESULTS To increase the utilization efficiency of insecticides, a star polycation (SPc) was selected as a drug carrier that could be complexed with thiamethoxam through electrostatic interaction. Formation of the complex decreased the particle size of thiamethoxam from 575.77 to 116.16 nm in aqueous solution. Plant uptake of SPc‐delivered thiamethoxam was increased 1.69–1.84 times compared with thiamethoxam alone. Nano‐sized thiamethoxam/SPc complexes showed enhanced contact and stomach toxicity against green peach aphids. CONCLUSION SPc is a promising insecticide adjuvant for insecticide nanometerization, and is beneficial in improving insecticidal activity and decreasing the application amounts and application rates of conventional insecticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry