Termiticidal, biochemical, and morpho-histological effects of botanical based nanoemulsion against a subterranean termite, Odontotermes Formosanus Shiraki

Abstract

Recently, the use of nanopesticides has shown significant efficacy in the control of many pests. However, the effect of nanopesticides, especially nanoemulsions, on suppressing termites, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki, 1909) (O. formosanus), has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to produce nanoemulsions of the essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill; E-EO) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt; N-EO) to suppress O. formosanus. The analysis of eucalyptus nanoemulsion (E-NE) and nutmeg nanoemulsion (N-NE) was confirmed by using UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In addition, chemical analysis by Gas Chromatography with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) exhibited the major constituents of E-NE and N-NE. The principal chemical components of E-NE included D-limonene, eucalyptol, 1,5-cyclooctadiene,3,4-dimethyl, benzene, and 1-methyl-3-(1 methylethyl)-, while the main constituents in N-NE were cyclohexane,1-methylene-4-(1 methylethenyl)-, eucalyptol, and L-. alpha. -terpineol. The mortality rates were 100% and 99.53%, respectively, after 24 hours of treatment with a concentration of 140 mg/mL, compared to 23.43% and 43.55%, respectively, from E-EO and N-EO treatment. These results refer to the essential oils’ nanoemulsion as far more effective than the essential oils themselves. Furthermore, the effects of E-NE and N-NE on detoxification enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, acid and alkaline phosphatase were investigated, as well as total protein concentrations, and the results have been found to be significantly increasing or decreasing in comparison with control. Besides, histological and morphological alterations found post exposure to E-NE and N-NE were shown. Overall, the results from this study clearly indicate that the nanopesticide-formulated nanoemulsions may have great potential to be used as novel, environmentally safe insecticides for controlling O. formosanus.

Termiticidal Effects and Morpho-Histological Alterations in the Subterranean Termite (Odontotermes formosanus) Induced by Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Chitosan Nanoparticles

“…Through the utilization of triboelectric forces and the surface effect, nanostructured alumina absorbs onto the wax layer, causing the cuticle to become dehydrated [ 63 ]. This study’s findings are supported by Nasser et al [ 37 ], who observed modifications in O. formosanus workers following treatment with Myristica fragrans and Eucalyptus globulus nanoemulsions.…”

“…Furthermore, the integrity of the midgut can be studied as an indication of sensitivity to a variety of harmful substances [ 64 ]. The outcomes of this investigation are corroborated by Nasser et al [ 37 ], who saw changes in the typical structure of O. formosanus workers after treatment with M. fragrans and E. globulus nanoemulsions. Following treatment with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles, Abou El-Enain et al [ 65 ] showed histopathological indicators in the midgut tissues of Agrotis ipsilon .…”

“…Eight species of fungi were isolated from the rhizosphere of O. fragrans due to the O. formosanus termite preference for sweet Osmanthus wood [ 37 ]. One of them, namely OF2, was selected based on its ability to biosynthesize ZnONPs, TiO 2 NPs, and CsNPs.…”

Suppression of Root Rot Fungal Diseases in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the Application of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

“…AgNPs can be synthesized using various methods, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches [ 27 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. However, biological methods are considered safer and more environmentally friendly compared to conventional physical and chemical methods [ 13 , 14 ].…”