Research progress on natural polymer materials in controlled release formulations of pesticides

Given the problems associated with traditional pesticide formulations, such as unstable physicochemical properties, low utilization rate, short effective duration and environmental issues, the development of safe and controlled release pesticide formulations has become a hot research topic. Natural polymer materials are excellent carriers for controlled release of pesticides, because of their non-toxicity, extensive sources, low cost and good biodegradability. In this review, the research progress of four abundant natural polymers (i.e. starch, cellulose, chitosan and lignin) in controlled release pesticides was summarized, and the development prospects were provided.