Green Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles From Prosopis juliflora (Sw) DC., and Its Effect Against Cotton Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Abstract

Phenacoccus solenopsis has been recognized as an aggressively invasive species on cotton plants in different countries. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of green synthesized Cu/Zn-nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Prosopis juliflora (mezquite) against P. solenopsis. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed bimetallic nanoparticles of Cu/Zn-NPs with spherical shape with varying size of 74.33 nm to 59.46 nm. More than 30% mortality of P. solenopsis was observed with Cu/Zn-nanoparticles (100 ppm) at 96 hours after treatment. Negligible mortality of P. solenopsis was recorded with Cu/Zn solution (100 ppm) and aqueous P. juliflora extracts. The results of the viability test for Cu/Zn-nanoparticles of P. juliflora showed a significant reduction of the cell viability by 50% in insect exposed to Cu/Zn-nanoparticles-P.juliflora. Therefore studies about nanotoxicity of Cu/Zn-NPs of P.juliflora are needed to reveal the mechanism of toxicity this phytonanoparticles in P.solenopsis.

Zinc Oxide Phytonanoparticles’ Effects on Yield and Mineral Contents in Fruits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Cherry) under Field Conditions

“…The height of the tomato plants was evaluated as a morphometric variable, and greater growth was observed in terms of the application of the phytonanoparticles on the root at a concentration of 50 ppm; however, no significant statistical differences are seen with the control treatment ( Figure 4 HE-HF). Since zinc nanoparticles have shown to induce free radical formation, resulting in increased malondialdehyde and lower levels of reduced glutathione and reduced chlorophyll contents [ 8 ], this significantly impacts photosynthesis processes limiting development.…”

“…The promoter effect could be related to the zinc role as a precursor in the synthesis of auxins that promote cell division, as well as its influence on the reactivity of indoleacetic acid, which functions as a hormonal phytostimulant [ 8 , 13 , 17 , 18 ]. Furthermore, it is possible that ZnO nanoparticles could be involved in a greater production of the phytohormones cytokine and gibberellin, apart from inducing the activity of antioxidant enzymes [ 23 ].…”

“…The size of the phytonanoparticles and the zeta potential were analyzed in solution using a nanotrac wave instrument (Microtrac, Montgomeryville PA, USA) according to Mendez-Trujillo et al [ 8 ]. Measurements were made using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique in a range of 0.1–1000 μ m at 25°C, with a laser wavelength of 780 nm and a scattering angle of 90 Åã.…”

Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles and Applications—An Updated Review

“…Synthesized Cu-Zn nano-fertilizer can also serve as a micronutrient source for plants [253]. Similarly, synthesized Cu-Zn, ZnO-TiO and Ag-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles have been used as nano-pesticide/insecticide against cotton Mealybug [254], Spodoptera fruggiperda (an important pest of several crops) [255] and Lymphatic filariasis Vector [256]. In addition, Au-Pd have also shown larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae [257].…”

Current and future prospects of “all-organic” nanoinsecticides for agricultural insect pest management

“…Using green technology, Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae) leaf extract was utilised to synthesize Cu/Zn-bimetallic nanoparticles ranging in size from 74.33 nm to 59.46 nm. Using Cu/Zn solution (100 ppm) and aqueous P. juliflora extracts as controls, this bimetallic nanoparticle was applied to the cotton mealy bug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, and found near about 30% mortality for the pest (Mendez-Trujillo et al, 2019).…”