Efficiency of Silicon and Silver Nanoparticles against the Infestation of Tribolium castanium (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on Wheat Grains under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as one of the promising new technologies for pest control. In this study, a screening program was conducted to evaluate the impact of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the mortality of the adult stage of Tribolium castanium on wheat grains. The nanoparticles were synthesized using a laser ablation process, and their characterization was performed using Zeta-sizer, UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Different concentration levels of SiNPs and AgNPs (100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm, and 400 ppm) were tested to assess their effects on T. castaneum mortality. The LC50 value for SiNPs and AgNPs were calculated at 438.3 and 657.4 ppm NPs, respectively. The feeding method revealed that AgNPs resulted in 40% mortality, while SiNPs resulted in 70% mortality. These findings suggest that the synthesized SiNPs have a greater potential as an alternative option in managing pests in stored products compared to AgNPs at the same exposure time (four days). The results showed that both SiNPs and AgNPs were having a potential effect on adult stage of T. castaneum. This study demonstrated the utility of AgNPs and SiNPs in T.castaneum pest management programs.