Effectiveness of Green Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles for Walnut Storage Pest Management

Abstract

Walnut yield and quality are often affected by beetle infestations, particularly those caused by Carpophilus truncatus (Murray) (Nitidulidae) and Oryzaephilus mercator (L.) (Silvanidae). Beetle damage exposes walnuts to microbial food spoilers such as Fusarium species. Insecticides currently used for beetle control are environmentally unfriendly. This work explored a green synthesis approach for copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO−NPs) in a basic medium at 30 °C by hydrolates, aqueous extracts obtained from Lippia integrifolia and Pimpinella anisum, denoted as CuO−I and CuO−A, respectively. Characterization through XRD, FT‐IR, Raman, UV‐visible absorbance, and AFM techniques indicated that CuO−A and CuO−I have a size ranging from 2–10 nm in height. The antifungal assay showed that both have a similar efficacy (MID=320 μg), 3‐fold stronger than CuO‐ NPs obtained in absence of hydrolates (denoted CuO−W) (MID=960 μg), with the broadest inhibitory halos (ID=126–128 mm) observed for CuO−A. Insecticidal activity of CuO−NPs showed a concentration‐dependent behavior, with CuO−I showing an effect comparable to that of diatomaceous earth. SEM images confirmed the adhesion of nanoparticles to insect surfaces, which could induce oxygen deprivation and disruption of metabolic processes. Both CuO−A and CuO−I are promising for their use in integrated pest control in walnut storage.