Evaluation of Toxicity of Nanoparticles against Bactrocera zonata as Bio-Control agent

Abstract

Mango is economically important fruit. Pakistan occupies 4th rank in mango production and export. Due to insects attack, US$200 million annual losses occurs. Among all pests fruit fly is one of major problem of Pakistan. These are usually controlled by the use of highly toxic chemicals that cause hazardous effects on the environment and non target organisms. In current study, better ways for the control of fruit fly were evaluated. New technique metal nanoparticles are being used for control of Bactrocera zonata, to minimize the adverse effects of insecticides on living health. For this purpose, adults of B. zonata were collected from infested fruits in mango orchards at Multan. SNPs were biosynthetically prepared with specific protocol by lemon plant leaves and toxicity was evaluated against flies to check mortality at different levels of SNPs concentrations (0pp,20ppm, 40ppm, 80ppm, 160ppm). Mortality was observed upto 7 days. Maximum mortality was observed at 160ppm (higher concentration) while minimum mortality was observed at low concentration (20ppm). It showed higher concentration appeared to be more effective for the purpose of control. Hence overall 70-80% mortality is obtained thus resulting as effective biocontrol with less hazardous effects to environment & livings.