Nanotechnology is considered to be a development way to gain efficient and potential approaches towards pest control. The effect of both neem and peppermint oils as bulk, nano and loaded nano-emulsions have been studied against the different biological aspects of the 2 nd larval instar of Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) under laboratory conditions. Their effects on enzymatic activities were investigated for the 2 nd and 4 th larval instars. The effects of adding the different formulations of either neem or peppermint oils to artificial diet of 2 nd instar larvae show significant elongation of the larval duration; percentage mortalities were increased as well as larval malformations. It was recorded that nano-formulations (emulsion or loaded) significantly decreased the pupal weight and significantly increased the pupal duration, percentage pupal mortalities and pupal malformation. Adult longevity show insignificant effect, while female fecundity and percentage egg fertility show significant decrease in comparison with the control. Results of enzymatic activities show marked effects of the three formulations of either neem or peppermint oil. Significant inhibitions were recorded for amylase, invertase, trehalase, protease and alkaline phosphatase. However, significant increase in the activities of cuticle phenoloxidase and chitinase were recorded. Marked variations were recorded between nano-formulations and the bulk form.
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