Green synthesized silver nanoparticles for controlling subterranean termites, Psammotermes hypostoma (Desn.)

Abstract

Subterranean termites Psammotermes hypostoma (Desneux) has become a major pest in Egypt. To investigate new effective and inexpensive ways of control this pest, we assessed nanoparticles synthesized by a green approach using corresponding salt (sliver nitrate) with aqueous extract of garlic, chili, turmeric, and black pepper were commercially purchased. UV-visible wavelength scanning and nanoparticle tracking analyses were used to determine the quantity and quality of nanoparticles. The experiments were carried out to evaluate the toxicity of aqueous plant extracts and their green synthesized silver nanoparticles compared with mineral oil, Beauveria bassiana, and chlorpyrifos on P. hypostoma. The result showed that chlorpyrifos was the most toxic compound, whereas black peper aqueous extract was the least toxic one, however, B. bassiana, K. Z. oil, Garlic aqueous extract, Chili pepper AgNPs, turmeric aqueous extract, Turmeric AgNPs, Garlic AgNPs, Black peper AgNPs, and Chili pepper aqueous extract lie in between. Conclusively, based on those results all selected compounds and extracts caused significant mortality for workers of P. hypostoma as compared to control and can be used as a cheap and effective alternative in future IPM programs against P. hypostoma.

Evaluation of Some Plant Extracts Effectiveness on the Termites Reticulitermes spp. (Isoptera: <i>Rhinotermitidae</i>)

“…The bulk of studies have linked the main components of essential oils -eugenol and -caryophyllene -to their insecticidal effects since these substances affect insects› nervous systems [30] and systems and by inhibiting the actions of acetylcholinesterase [31]. The study by Allam, et al, [32] tested commercially available aqueous extracts of garlic, chili, turmeric, and black pepper on underground termites (Psammotermes). The results revealed that chlorpyrifos was the most toxic substance, while black pepper aqueous extract was the least toxic.…”

Silver Nanoparticles as a New Trend for Controlling Subterranean Termite, Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux in Qena Region, Egypt

“…According to Bhattacharyya et al (2010) and Allam et al (2022), nanotechnology is one of the new technologies that utilized for pest control and has evolved into a new method of pest management. Termite control and wood protection are accomplished through the use of nanotechnology.…”

Essential Oil Composition of Aerial Part of Pluchea ovalis (Pers.) DC., Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis, and Larvicidal Activities against Fall Armyworm

“…In the agricultural sector, nanomaterials were also reported for their potential pesticide and insecticides activities [15,16]. Green nanoparticles (NPs) have been applied for the pest-controlling strategy to reduce the usage of harmful chemicals and the generation of toxic side products [17][18][19]. NPs have wide applications in agricultural fields, such as the control of crop pests and disease management [20,21].…”