This
study examines the toxicological effects of silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO)
nanobiopesticides (NBPs) on Helicoverpa armigera larvae, a significant
pest of various crops worldwide. The nanoparticles were synthesized using a
green method. This study investigates the effects of silver (Ag), zinc oxide
(ZnO), and synergistic silver-zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) nanobiopesticides on the activities
of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the gut tissue of third instar larvae of Helicoverpa
armigera. The larvae were fed on cotton leaves containing different
concentrations of NBPs and enzyme activities were measured to evaluate
oxidative stress responses. Results showed a dose-dependent increase in SOD,
CAT and GPx activities across all NBPs treatments indicating oxidative stress
caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The combined Ag-ZnO NBPs had the
greatest effect on enzyme activity implying increased toxicity. These findings
demonstrate the potential of NBPs as effective pest control agents by
disrupting antioxidant defense mechanisms, offering insights into their
application in integrated pest management strategies.
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