A pH-responsive double network hydrogel for control of tomato bacterial wilt
Abstract
Ralstonia solanacearum is a major plant pathogen causing bacterial wilt, whose unpredictable onset hinders timely detection and effective control. Here, we report the design, preparation and field use of a dual pH-responsive multifunctional double network (DN) hydrogel for the efficient and sustainable control of bacterial wilt. The primary network of carboxylated agarose chelates Zn2+ and loosens under acidic conditions (pH ≤ 5) to release a pesticide (zhongshengmycin) and Zn2+, while the secondary L-phenylalanine (Phe)/ Zn2+ network disassembles to provide additional bioactive components (Phe and Zn2+). This dual-triggered release achieves a combined antibacterial effect, enhances plant growth, and activates plant disease resistance pathways. A simple root application protects plants for up to 14 days, and field experiments demonstrate disease control for up to 30 days, significantly preserving tomato yield. Here, we present a sustainable, effective system for managing bacterial wilt and highlight the potential of smart hydrogels in crop protection.
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BibTeX
@article{xiang2026phresponsive,
title = {{A pH-responsive double network hydrogel for control of tomato bacterial wilt}},
author = {Shunyu Xiang and Meijun Chen and Shaorui Tian and Haoran Peng and Hulian Sun and Mengji Cao and Cécilia Ménard-Moyon and Xianchao Sun and Alberto Bianco},
journal = {Nature Communications},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-73922-3},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05769748v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A pH-responsive double network hydrogel for control of tomato bacterial wilt
AU - Shunyu Xiang
AU - Meijun Chen
AU - Shaorui Tian
AU - Haoran Peng
AU - Hulian Sun
AU - Mengji Cao
AU - Cécilia Ménard-Moyon
AU - Xianchao Sun
AU - Alberto Bianco
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/29
JO - Nature Communications
DO - 10.1038/s41467-026-73922-3
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05769748v1
AB - Ralstonia solanacearum is a major plant pathogen causing bacterial wilt, whose unpredictable onset hinders timely detection and effective control. Here, we report the design, preparation and field use of a dual pH-responsive multifunctional double network (DN) hydrogel for the efficient and sustainable control of bacterial wilt. The primary network of carboxylated agarose chelates Zn2+ and loosens under acidic conditions (pH ≤ 5) to release a pesticide (zhongshengmycin) and Zn2+, while the secondary L-phenylalanine (Phe)/ Zn2+ network disassembles to provide additional bioactive components (Phe and Zn2+). This dual-triggered release achieves a combined antibacterial effect, enhances plant growth, and activates plant disease resistance pathways. A simple root application protects plants for up to 14 days, and field experiments demonstrate disease control for up to 30 days, significantly preserving tomato yield. Here, we present a sustainable, effective system for managing bacterial wilt and highlight the potential of smart hydrogels in crop protection.
SN - 2041-1723
SN - 2041-1723
ER -