Abstract
Nanotechnology can offer an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals for pest management. Nano-formulations of different microbial pest control agents have been effective against several insect pests. Synthesis of Cordyceps fumosorosea-biochar (BC) nanoparticles and their bio-efficacy against Bemisia tabaci was observed during this study. The characterization of C. fumosorosea-BC nanoparticles through different analytical techniques showed successful synthesis of nanoparticles. UV spectroscopy showed a characteristic band of surface plasmon between 350 and 400 nm; SEM images confirmed the synthesis of spherical shaped nanoparticles; X-ray diffractogram showed strong peaks between 2θ values of 20°–25°; and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed particle size of 49.151 nm. The bioassay studies demonstrated that different concentrations of C. fumosorosea-BC nanoparticles caused significant reduction in hatchability of B. tabaci eggs as well as survival of immatures emerging from treated eggs when compared with controls. The results also revealed that C. fumosorosea-BC nanoparticles were highly pathogenic against 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs and pupae of B. tabaci having LC50 values of 6.80, 7.45, and 8.64 ppm, respectively. The LT50 values for 20 ppm concentration of C. fumosorosea-BC nanoparticles against 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, and pupae of B. tabaci were 3.25 ± 0.29, 3.69 ± 0.52, and 4.07 ± 0.51 days, respectively. These findings suggest that C. fumosorosea-BC nanoparticles can potentially be used in biorational B. tabaci management programs.
Highlights
The use of nanotechnology can change the future of both agricultural and food industries by producing novel products/nanoparticles with a wide range of applications (Chinnamuthu and Boopathi, 2009)
Cordyceps fumosorosea is a well-known entomopathogen which has been commercialized for the management of different insect pests (Ali et al, 2010a,b)
Nanoparticles of C. fumosorosea have been reported as effective biopesticides against different insect pests (Banu and Balasubramanian, 2014; Wang et al, 2019)
Summary
The use of nanotechnology can change the future of both agricultural and food industries by producing novel products/nanoparticles with a wide range of applications (Chinnamuthu and Boopathi, 2009). Nanoparticles have been applied within the agricultural sector for different purposes such as to increase soil fertility, control weeds, and protect plants from insects and diseases (Tarafdar et al, 2013). The nano-encapsulation of pesticides into nanosized molecules of active pesticide compounds has different advantages like protection of the active ingredients from degradation, improved efficacy and reduced pesticide application to at least 10–15 times less than those applied with classical formulations (OECD and Allianz, 2008). Cordyceps fumosorosea (previously known as Isaria fumosorosea) is a well-known entomopathogen which has been commercialized for the management of different insect pests (Ali et al, 2010a,b). Nanoparticles of C. fumosorosea have been reported as effective biopesticides against different insect pests (Banu and Balasubramanian, 2014; Wang et al, 2019)
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