Reduction in Insect Attachment Caused by Different Nanomaterials Used as Particle Films (Kaolin, Zeolite, Calcium Carbonate)

Abstract

In the present investigation, we compared the reduction in attachment ability of the southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to glass induced by three different nanoparticle (kaolin, zeolite, and calcium carbonate) films. Using traction force experiments, behavioral experiments, and scanning electron microscopy observations, we analyzed the insect attachment ability and linear speed on untreated and treated glass with the three particle films. The three nanomaterials strongly reduced insect attachment ability mainly owing to contamination of attachment pads. The ability to reduce insect attachment was different for the three tested particle films: kaolin and zeolite induced a significantly higher reduction in N. viridula safety factor than calcium carbonate. The coating of the surface was more uniform and compact in kaolin and zeolite compared to calcium carbonate particle film. Moreover, kaolin and zeolite particles can more readily adhere to N. viridula attachment devices, whereas calcium carbonate particles appeared less adherent to the cuticular surface compared to the two aluminosilicate (kaolin and zeolite) particles. Only the application of kaolin reduced insect linear speed during locomotion. Nanoparticle films have a great potential to reduce insect attachment ability and represent a good alternative to the use of insecticides for the control of pentatomid bugs and other pest insects.

Kaolin particle film limits grapevine downy mildew epidemic under open‐field conditions and stimulates the plant defence response

“…Kaolin particle film may need to be sprayed multiple times during the growing season. Furthermore, KPF may represent an additional tool for integrated pest management programs that aim to reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides (Campos‐Rivela and Martinez‐Ferrer 2021, Salerno et al 2021). Additionally, KPF can improve plant photosynthesis (Glenn 2012, Shellie and King 2013, Dinis et al 2016, Dinis et al 2018, Rotondi et al 2021), water use efficiency (Jifon and Syvertsen 2003) and berry composition and yield (Bernardo et al 2021).…”

“…The severity of grape downy mildew infection is closely related to climatic conditions, among which temperature, humidity and rainfall are the most important (Gessler et al 2011). In general, relatively low temperature (about 20 C), continuous rainfall and high humidity (above 85%) are important conditions for the occurrence and prevalence of the disease (Lalancette 1988, Salinari et al 2006, Williams et al 2007. A comparison of the onset date for 2020 and 2021 indicated that white downy mildew was visible in the fields already in late May 2021, but in 2020, the mildew was not apparent until early June 2020.…”

“…This may be because application of 6% KPF on leaves may provide a layer that is more resistant to rain and wind than the layer that results from 3% KPF treatment in regions where there are frequent rain events in the summer (Glenn and Puterka 2010). A cool and humid climate is more conducive to the development of downy mildew (Salinari et al 2006, Gessler et al 2011. Though protection was less than that for the treatment with 6% KPF, the 3% KPF treatment significantly reduced the maximum DI in 2021, but there was no significant difference in 2020 between the Control and 3% KPF treatment groups.…”

Combined Effect of Different Flower Stem Features on the Visiting Frequency of the Generalist Ant Lasius niger: An Experimental Study

“…The wax projections were simulated by calcium carbonate crystals in our experimental samples (painted sticks and painted cuffs). Hydrated lime is one of the first minerals used in "ancient particle film technology" [41], which alone or in mixture represents the prevailing insect-repelling material used in agriculture in the early 1900s [42] and is still presently applied against insect pest and plant pathogens. Whereas in livestock farming it is mostly used for disinfectant purposes, producing a dry and alkaline environment in which bacteria do not readily multiply, in horticultural farming it serves as an insect repellent causing no harm to either pests or plants [43].…”

“…Our recent experimental study revealed that calcium carbonate coverage greatly diminished the attachment of the bug Nezara viridula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) due to its distinct microrough surface topology and, to a lesser extent, due to the contaminating effect on the insect adhesive organs [41]. Moreover, the high absorption ability, in particular the water absorption ability, of the calcium carbonate film described in [41] may contribute to insect attachment reduction, as has been previously found for both Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia axyridis beetles (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on nanoporous substrates [48,49].…”