Novel nanoinsecticides based on essential oils to control the German cockroach

Abstract

The physicochemical characterization and residual insecticidal activity of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanoparticles containing essential oils (EOs) from geranium (Geranium sp.) and bergamot (Citrus reticulata L.) were evaluated against Blatella germanica for 1 year. The nanoparticles' size increased during the storage time from \235 to \450 nm; the EO content decreased approximately 50 %, and the abundance of the major components did not show any differences between pre-and post-formulation. The surface characteristics of nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission electronic microscopy. The EO nanoparticles produced a notable increase in the residual contact toxicity apparently because of the slow and persistent release of the active terpenes. In addition, the nanoformulation enhanced the EO contact toxicity. The results indicate that these novel systems could be developed as control agents against German cockroaches.

Contact, fumigant, and cytotoxic activities of thyme and lemongrass essential oils against larvae and an ovarian cell line of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni

“…One strategy to enhance efficacy of thyme oil or thyme oil-based formulations could be to slow down the evaporation of active compounds to prolong the insecticidal activity. This can be achieved using nanotechnology, by impregnating or encapsulating the essential oil in porous materials or polymers, such as silica (Rani et al 2014) or polyethylene glycol (González et al 2014).…”

Chemical composition, insecticidal and biochemical effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on the Helicoverpa armigera

“…Essential oils from aromatic plants, and their major constituents, are considered to be an alternative to conventional pesticides for controlling many insect pests, due to several advantages over synthetic pesticides, including rapid degradation, low residual and not easily generated cross-resistance (Mc Donnell et al, 2016;Werdin González, Stefanazzi, Murray, Ferrero, & Fernández Band, 2015;Wollinger et al, 2016). Moreover, plant essential oils are high volatile and a rich source of bioactive chemicals (Kim, Lee, Jang, Jung, & Park, 2016).…”

Fumigant Toxicity in Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae): Controlled Release of (E)-anethole from Microspheres

“…Other authors have obtained loadings of 13%, particle size < 180 nm and bactericidal activity prolonged for more than 4 d from PLGA (E)-anethole nanoparticles [17]. Similarly, PEG nanoparticles of geranium and bergamot EOs slowed the release of the volatiles down and the residual contact activity against cockroaches was improved [30]. Polymer based nanoencapsulation of EO is considered for plant protection products and the type of polymers consist mainly of polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate and starch), polyesters (PEG) or biodegradable materials such as gum arabic or lecithins.…”