Synthesis of Cordyceps fumosorosea- Biochar Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Growth and Survival of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

• Published in: Frontiers in microbiology 2021-02, Vol.12, p.630220
• Main Authors: Wang, Xingmin, Xu, Jing, Sun, Tingfei, Ali, Shaukat
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bemisia tabaci; Cordyceps fumosorosea; microbial pesticides; Microbiology; nano-formulation; toxicity
• ISSN: 1664-302X; 1664-302X
• DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.630220

Nanotechnology can offer an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals for pest management. Nano-formulations of different microbial pest control agents have been effective against several insect pests. Synthesis of -biochar (BC) nanoparticles and their bio-efficacy against was observed during this study. The characterization of BC nanoparticles through different analytical techniques showed successful synthesis of nanoparticles. UV spectroscopy showed a characteristic band of surface plasmon between 350 and 400 nm; SEM images confirmed the synthesis of spherical shaped nanoparticles; X-ray diffractogram showed strong peaks between 2θ values of 20°-25°; and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed particle size of 49.151 nm. The bioassay studies demonstrated that different concentrations of BC nanoparticles caused significant reduction in hatchability of eggs as well as survival of immatures emerging from treated eggs when compared with controls. The results also revealed that BC nanoparticles were highly pathogenic against 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs and pupae of having LC values of 6.80, 7.45, and 8.64 ppm, respectively. The LT values for 20 ppm concentration of BC nanoparticles against 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, and pupae of were 3.25 ± 0.29, 3.69 ± 0.52, and 4.07 ± 0.51 days, respectively. These findings suggest that BC nanoparticles can potentially be used in biorational management programs.