Efficacy of Olive Stones and Corncobs Crystalline Silica Nanoparticles (SiO2, NPs) Treatments on Potato Tuber Moths (Phthorimaea Operculella)

Abstract

Morphological and microstructural properties of silica (SiO 2 ) are essential factors that need to be considered during the experimental applications. In this report, SiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared at different concentrations from SiO 2 powder derived from olive stones and corncobs by an alkali leaching extraction method. Thermal treatment has been used to modify the morphological and microstructural properties of the extracted SiO 2 . X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the extracted amorphous SiO 2 has been transformed into a crystalline phase after the thermal treatment. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements revealed signi cant reduction in both the speci c surface area (SABET) and the total pores volume (Vtotal) of the derived SiO 2 samples after the thermal treatment. The acquired thermal treatment properties of SiO 2 found to have high impacts on the in uence of the SiO 2 NPs on the survival and development of larvae and pupae of P. opercullela. SiO 2 NPs prepared from the crystalline silica samples exhibited less e ciency on suppressing potato tuber moth comparing to SiO 2 NPs of the amorphous silica powders. Varied effects on biological parameters including larvae mortality, pupae weight, larval and pupal development time, fecundity and fertility are also linked to the SiO 2 NPs source type and showed concentration depending manner effects. SiO 2 NPs are conditionally effective as an alternative pesticide against P. opercullela, based on their sources, mesoporous structures and concentrations.

Nano-Agrochemicals as Substitutes for Pesticides: Prospects and Risks

“…However, their efficacy as pesticides may vary depending on their origin and composition. For example, the efficacy of a compound derived from crystalline silica samples was found to be lower in suppressing potato tuber moth when compared to that derived from amorphous silica powders [ 171 ]. Studies have demonstrated that this type of NP can exert toxic effects on non-target organisms.…”

Low Energy Trap with Light Emitting Diode for Increased Attraction of <i>Phthorimaea operculella</i> Zeller

“…30 and 8.14 µg/L to adults that emerged from pupae aged (1-2) and (6-8) days respectively. The use of silicon dioxide nanoparticles for the control of this type of pests is also possible (Idris et al, 2023). On the other hand, Kirisik et al (2023) studied the trapping efficiencies of a newly designed light trap and a delta pheromone trap were comparatively evaluated in mass trapping of adult PTMs on stored potatoes during the storage period from October to December in 2019 and 2020 in Antalya province in Turkey; the results indicated that significantly more moths were captured per trap in the light trap rooms than in the pheromone trap plots so the tuber damage rate was relative to the moth capture.…”

Caterpillar Responses to Gustatory Stimuli in Potato Tuber Moths: Electrophysiological and Behavioral Insights

“…The larvae of the species cause damage by mining leaf tissues and tunneling into tubers, leading to surface deformities and rot. Without refrigeration, crop losses can reach 50-100% [6]. Presently, chemical pesticides Life 2023, 13, 2174 2 of 14 are the primary means of control, but their effectiveness is limited due to the pest's leafmining and tunneling behavior.…”