Enhance the physicochemical properties of the citronella oil -SLNPs to improve the insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) (Lep. Nactuidae)

Abstract

The Nano-formulation of citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) and their mixtures of three adjuvants (Provecta®, Top film®, and PEG600-dioleate) were studied to enhance physico-chemical properties of the Nano-formulation and improve the insecticidal effect against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd). Characterisation of physicochemical properties of Nano-formulation was studied by calculating droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and Zeta-potential parameters. The results showed that the Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) mixtures of three adjuvant mixtures had more toxic activity and stability than the Nano-formulation alone. Before storage the acidity, alkalinity (pH), and viscosity exhibited an acidic pH value in the range (4.11–5.34), whereas after three months of storage was recorded high pH, a shift in the pH on storage can indicate the instability of active substances or product under semi field-laboratory conditions. Nano-formulation of the citronella oil mixed with the three adjuvants increased the mortality percentage of S. littoralis larvae.