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VOL. 9, ISSUE 12 (2024)
Insecticidal evaluation of chitosan-based zinc oxide nanoparticles against plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors
R Kavitha, N Vanitha
Abstract
The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella),
a major pest of cruciferous vegetables, has developed resistance to many
conventional chemical and biological insecticides, necessitating the
exploration of new pest control solutions. Bio-insecticides derived from
plant-based compounds offer eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
Recent advancements in synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using
Chitosan (Cs) extracts have opened avenues for innovative approaches in
agricultural pest management. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal
potential of chitosan-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cs-ZnO NPs) against P.
xylostella. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy,
FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDX, and XRD techniques, confirming their structural and
chemical properties. Laboratory bioassays revealed that Cs-ZnO NPs exhibited
exceptional larvicidal and pupicidal activity, achieving 100% mortality at low
concentrations (2–10 ppm). Toxicity assessments indicated LC50 values
of 1.774 ppm for first-instar larvae and 7.784 ppm for pupae, significantly
lower than those for chitosan, which ranged from 39.854 ppm to 111.338 ppm at
dosages of 20–100 ppm. Additionally, treatment with Cs-ZnO NPs significantly
reduced the longevity and fecundity of P. xylostella adults while
severely disrupting their food utilization efficiency. These findings highlight
the potential of Cs-ZnO NPs as a novel, effective, and sustainable insecticide
for managing resistant agricultural pests, P. xylostella.
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Pages:131-139
How to cite this article:
R Kavitha, N Vanitha "Insecticidal evaluation of chitosan-based zinc oxide nanoparticles against <i>plutella xylostella</i> (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 12, 2024, Pages 131-139
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