Persistence and Efficacy of Two Nanosilica Formulations on Callosobruchus maculatus in Different Pulses

The persistence effects of Silica Nanoparticles (SNPs), namely, Nanosav and Aerosil®, were evaluated on several pulses for controlling Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). For this purpose, one kg of each pulse was treated with four concentrations (50, 100, 200, and 300 mg kg-1) of each SNPs. The sampling was tested after 0, 2, 4, and 6 months’ storage period following the treatment. Adults were introduced to these samples and the number of dead adults was counted 1, 2, and 4 days after the exposure to the treated pulses. The percentage decrease in F1 progeny was calculated 42 days later. The mortality was 100% in black gram, cowpea, green gram, and chickpea when treated at a concentration of 300 mg.kg-1 of both SNP formulations in 0-month post-treatment four days after the exposure. No progeny was observed in lentil treated with 300 mg kg-1 of Nanosav in 0-month post-treatment. Another experiment was conducted to calculate SNPs adherence to the seeds. The highest adherence was on the black gram with 86 and 99.5%, in Nanosav and Aerosil®, respectively. Our results indicated that two SNPs had insecticidal activity against C. maculatus and can be used effectively in integrated pest management program of C. maculatus in stored pulses.

Persistence and Efficacy of Two Nanosilica Formulations on Callosobruchus maculatus in Different Pulses Keywords:

Aerosil nanosilica , Infestation , Integrated pest management , Nanosav nanosilica , Weevil