Prospects of plant-derived metallic nanopesticides against storage pests - A review

Abstract

The desire to increase agricultural productivity and to alleviate food losses caused by insects during post-harvest storage periods has augmented the rampant use of unsafe chemo-synthetic pesticides. The elevated health risks on human or domestic animals and environmental pollution by chemo-pesticides have shifted the focus of getting eco-friendly pesticides from biological entities. Research on the nanotechnological application in agriculture has become popular and promising. The diversity among plant species as well as the possession of different insect-specific bioactive compounds makes them the favoured choice for exploring active ingredients, and the application of nanoscience has facilitated the development of effective nano-biopesticides. Varieties of phytochemical groups act as reducing- and stabilizing agents during the biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles that would be operated as nanobiopesticides. Moreover, green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles or nano-conjugates, especially silver nanoparticles have been experimentally proven successful in controlling insects of stored food products. This review compiles phyto-derived metallic nanoparticles' potential and effectiveness against storage insects, and the analysis will augment research in designing and promoting the development of eco-friendly agrochemicals.