pH-responsive dual MOF-on-MOF core-shell nanocarrier enables an innovative “pesticide–fertilizer integration” strategy for advanced plant disease management

The limited efficiency of conventional fungicides and the increasing incidence of fungal diseases highlight the need for advanced delivery systems to ensure sustainable crop protection. Here, we introduce a pH-responsive Fe-Zn dual MOF-on-MOF core–shell nanocarrier (MIL-101@ZIF-8) that integrates fungicide delivery with micronutrient supplementation—an innovative approach in agricultural nanotechnology. The MIL-101(Fe) core facilitates loading of prochloraz (Pro), while the ZIF-8 shell degrades under acidic conditions at infection sites, enabling targeted co-release of Pro and Zn 2+ . The system exhibits specific pH-sensitive release patterns, achieving a cumulative release of 86.1% at pH 4.5 compared to 50.4% at pH 7.4 after 96 h. Compared with commercial emulsion concentrates (Pro-EC), Pro@MIL-101@ZIF-8 demonstrates superior rainfastness, enhanced UV stability, and markedly greater antifungal efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani (EC₅₀ = 0.457 mg/L). Additionally, this platform activates rice defense mechanisms by reducing malondialdehyde accumulation and increasing peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, while supporting seedling growth by prolonging Zn 2+ release. Zebrafish assays confirm high biosafety at concentrations relevant for agricultural use. Collectively, these findings present a dual-MOF-based pesticide–nutrient co-delivery system as a promising and environmentally responsible solution for next-generation fungal disease management.