Extended Data Fig. 1: Characterization of MgFe-LDH and BioClay, and confirmation of a uniform layer of LDH is formed that mirrors the leaf surface.
From: Foliar application of clay-delivered RNA interference for whitefly control
a, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of LDH showing the typical basal peaks of (003) and (006) lattices, which is in accordance with JCPDS 70-2150, and therefore confirms the expected LDH structure. b, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) image of LDH showed the typical agglomeration of these particles. The lateral sizes of single-piece LDH crystals were 20-40 nm. c, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) illustrates the particle size distribution of LDH and BioClay in suspension. LDH aggregates have a micrometer-level size similar to that of BioClay, confirming that the addition of dsRNA has a minimal effect on the size factor. d, SEM images (UVD mode) of LDH confirm deposition on the leaf surface at low magnification matched that of the negative control leaf, suggesting a flat, even distribution of LDH on the leaf surface. e, At high magnification, uniform LDH deposition with minor cracks was evident at two hours. On day 14, reduced thickness of LDH residue and notable cracks were observed, indicating consumption of LDH over time. Rigorous washing of leaves two hours post-spray application did not affect the LDH coverage compared to the unwashed leaf. However, rigorous washing on day 14 changed the LDH deposition due to reduced fastness caused by the consumption of LDH. The formation changes of LDH deposition after washing are proposed to depend on the initial amount sprayed. These SEM images adopt a common UVD signal and have the same visual fields as Figs. 1d and e, respectively. Scale bar = 50 μm and 500 μm.
