Control of Spodoptera frugiperda by using plant-derived Nanoparticles in Nashik District Maharashtra India

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-5054282/v1

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Control of Spodoptera frugiperda by using plant-derived Nanoparticles in Nashik District Maharashtra India

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5054282/v1

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Background

Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous lepidopteran pest known for its ability to devastate crops by feeding on leaves, stems, and flowers. The larval stage is particularly damaging, capable of stripping plants of foliage and significantly reducing yields. Traditional pest management strategies, including chemical insecticides, face challenges such as resistance development and environmental concerns, prompting the need for alternative control methods. The multivarious and economically significant fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a pest insect native to tropical and subtropical regions of North America. It poses a severe danger to food security due to its strong flying ability, adaptability to many climates, and wide host range. It causes high economic losses in numerous grains, vegetables, and cash crops. Many issues, such as insecticide resistance, the recurrence of insect pests, the creation of biotypes, and environmental risks, were brought about by the overreliance and abuse of pesticides in the management of Fall Armyworm.

Employing biocontrol agents and green synthesis nanoparticles, which are environmentally benign pest control technologies, is the most significant alternative to address these issues. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are particularly interesting due to their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio enhances their interaction with biological systems, making them potentially effective in pest management. Thus, the current investigation aimed to assess the toxicity of several plant-based synthetic nanoparticles. The biocontrol agent Trichogramma spp. has been evaluated against the fall armyworm.

Result

Silver nanoparticles derived from neem exhibited the highest mortality rate of 83% and the lowest rate of 40% among the second-instar larvae of the fall armyworm. In contrast, the silver nanoparticles from tobacco, onion, mint, ginger, and datura demonstrated mortality rates of 86%, 63%, 76%, 63%, and 73%, respectively, while the lowest mortality rates recorded were 30%, 33%, 30%, 23%, and 16%. Based on these findings, the nanoparticles from datura and neem are recommended as promising bio-based agents for managing Spodoptera frugiperda.

Conclusion

Silver nanoparticles derived from plant sources offer a promising alternative to traditional pest control methods. The high mortality rates observed with tobacco, mint, and datura-derived AgNPs highlight their potential as effective bio-based agents against Spodoptera frugiperda. Datura and neem are recommended as promising bio-based agents for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda based on their significant mortality rates and potential efficacy.

Silver Nanoparticles

plant-derived

Fall armyworm

Spodoptera frugiperda

Datura and Neem

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly referred to as the fall armyworm (FAW), is a significant economic pest that is both cosmopolitan and polyphagous. This insect pest is believed to have originated in the subtropical and tropical areas of the Americas (Goergen et al., 2016; Naharki et al., 2020). The Fall Armyworm (FAW) was first identified as an invasive pest in West Africa in 2016 and has since been documented in 47 African nations and 18 Asian countries, including India. This pest is characterized as an invasive and migratory polyphagous insect, capable of feeding on over 350 plant species across 76 different plant families (Naharki et al., 2020). This pest is a significant threat to maize cultivation across both North and South America, where it has been primarily associated with maize crops. The fall armyworm (FAW) is an aggressive feeder on foliage and has a wide range of host plants. Its preferred hosts include maize, cotton, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, wheat, rice, groundnut, cowpea, potato, and soybean. Research indicates that Spodoptera frugiperda can inflict damage of up to 65% on maize crops. The associated yield losses are estimated to be between 10 and 22 million tons, translating to financial losses of around US$ 6 billion. This pest has significantly impacted over 300 million individuals in Africa who depend on these crops for their food and overall well-being (Day et al., 2017). A female of the FAW species deposits approximately 100 to 200 eggs, which are typically arranged in clusters. The female selects specific locations for egg-laying and eggs laid on distinct upper and lower surfaces. The incubation period for FAW ranges from 2 to 3 days during the summer months and extends to 7 to 9 days in the winter season (Tahir et al., 2020). The larvae possess an inverted "Y" shape on their head capsule, as noted by Oliver and Chapin (1981). They primarily feed on foliage, resulting in damage to the plants. Following their feeding on plant material, the larvae exhibit a greenish-dark coloration. The younger larvae tend to consume the epidermal layers of the leaves, leading to the formation of holes. Additionally, caterpillars feed on young plants, which can result in a condition known as "dead heart," a prevalent symptom associated with FAW. Invasive pests are organisms that are not native to a particular ecosystem and thrive in environments outside their original habitats. The Fall Armyworm (FAW) possesses the ability to adapt and proliferate in new settings, which is a key reason for its classification as an invasive species. Maize (Zea mays L.) is a significant diploid annual cereal crop globally, recognized as a vital food source in numerous countries. The maize kernel serves as a nutritious and edible component of the plant, rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and riboflavin (Kumar and Jhariya, 2013). S. frugiperda is recognized as a significant pest affecting maize crops across all regions where maize is cultivated, and it is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The management of Fall Armyworm (FAW) incorporates integrated pest management (IPM), which utilizes a combination of control strategies that are more cost-effective, efficient, and pose reduced risks to both environmental integrity and human health. The use of insecticides is associated with various health concerns, including potential carcinogenic effects, genetic mutations, substances that deplete ozone, and irreversible negative impacts. FAW exhibits a rapid capacity to develop resistance to insecticides across numerous regions. Currently, FAW has established resistance to several insecticides, making it challenging to control through chemical means (Day et al., 2017). Effective monitoring is essential for the successful implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The monitoring of Fall Armyworm (FAW) is conducted through the use of light and pheromone traps. Two frequently utilized types of pheromones are aggregation pheromones and sex pheromones. Nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, has demonstrated promising results in the management of insect pests. The successful implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) necessitates effective monitoring activities. The monitoring of Fall Armyworm (FAW) is conducted through the use of light and pheromone traps. Among the commonly utilized pheromones are aggregation pheromones and sex pheromones. Nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, has demonstrated promising outcomes in the management of insect pests. The concept of "nanotechnology" was first proposed by Nobel laureate Richard Feynman in 1959. The characterization of nanoparticles has been employed to assess their size (Deshmukh, 2019). Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unique physiochemical properties, including high reactivity, specific particle morphology, and an extensive surface area. Various studies have confirmed the efficacy of different nanoparticles in managing a range of insect pests and diseases (Jabbar et al., 2022; Khan et al., 2021; Nazir et al., 2019; Shahbaz et al., 2022) The excessive dependence on and application of pesticides for the management of fall armyworm (FAW) has led to numerous issues, such as the development of insecticide resistance, the resurgence of pest populations, the emergence of new biotypes, and various environmental risks. To address these challenges, a key alternative approach involves the utilization of green synthesis nanoparticles, which have demonstrated effectiveness in environmental remediation for pest management. Consequently, this study was designed to assess the toxicity of synthetic nanoparticles derived from various plant sources against the fall armyworm.

1. Collection and Mass Rearing of fall armyworm

Larvae of fall armyworms were gathered from maize plants exhibiting signs of infestation. The collected specimens from various villages in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, were placed in jars secured with muslin cloth. The insect population was subsequently reared in cages measuring 60 × 60 cm. The larvae were provided with a diet consisting of an artificial mixture of chickpea flour, rice, and maize flour. This mass rearing of fall armyworms was conducted at the Laboratory of the P.G. Department of Zoology, and Research Centre, K.R.T. Arts, B.H. Commerce, and A.M. Science College, Nashik (K.T.H.M. College Nashik).

Following pupation, male and female pupae were segregated into new cages until they emerged. The adult insects that emerged were nourished with a 10% (v/v) honey or sugar solution every other day. Mating pairs were formed and placed in mating cages to facilitate copulation and oviposition. The rearing environment was maintained at a temperature of 27 ± 3°C and a relative humidity of 60 ± 5%.

2. Preparation of plant extractions

Extracts from plants were made using the procedure outlined by Sarda et al. (1986). The six plants' fresh materials were collected and properly washed for the removal of dust and pathogens. After that, they were placed on a plastic sheet and left to dry in the shade. It took three weeks for the materials to be ready to be crushed in an electric grinder. A fine mesh of size 20 µm was used to filter the ground powder to produce a fine powder with the required particle size. Each specimen received 100 g of powder which was dissolved in 500 mL of distilled water. The flask was filled with the solution and aluminum foil was placed over the top. The solution was shaken vigorously by hand every day for the following week. The solution was then re-poured into the conical flask after filtering through the Whatman No.1 filter paper. At an operating temperature of 78°C, the solution transformed into a crude extract. The objective was to obtain the desired crude extract by evaporating the ethanol utilized in its preparation.

3. Green synthesis of nanoparticle

Six botanical extracts, namely Datura stramonium, Azadirechta indica, Zingiber officinale, Allium cepa, Nicotiana tabacum, and Mentha arvensis, were prepared for the management of Fall Armyworm (FAW). Silver nanoparticles were synthesized through the biological reduction of silver nitrate. Initially, 300 ml of distilled water was placed in a pan and heated to a medium temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Upon observing the formation of bubbles, the plant extract was introduced into the water until the solution exhibited a light green hue. The mixture was subsequently cooled and filtered. Following this, a silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution was prepared by dissolving a specific amount of silver nitrate, based on the plant used, in 500 ml of distilled water, which was then boiled for 20 minutes on a hot plate while being stirred continuously. The reduction of the silver nitrate solution was carried out incrementally by adding 15 ml of the plant extract, boiling the mixture for an additional 10 minutes, and allowing it to remain in light until a colour change was observed. Ultimately, a stock solution of AgNO3 with a concentration of 200 ppm was prepared for application.

4. UV-Vis spectra analysis

The UV-Vis absorption spectrum indicated a size of approximately 400 nm. This feature of the silver nanoparticles suggested that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited polydispersity.

5. Pesticidal effect of silver nanoparticles

The concentration of 20 ml of silver nanoparticles in 80 ml of water, 50 ml of silver nanoparticles in 50 ml of water, and concentration of 60 ml of silver nanoparticles in 40 ml of water were prepared concerning Six botanical extracts, namely Datura stramonium, Azadirechta indicia, Zingiber officinale, Allium cepa, Nicotiana tabacum, and Mentha arvensis.

The different concentrations of silver nanoparticles in ppm were prepared and the pesticidal effect was evaluated against the fall armyworms. The mortality was recorded at 24 hours and 48 hours.

Following the application of silver nanoparticle concentrations, mortality was recorded at 24-hour and 48-hour intervals. Figure 2 illustrates the overall mortality induced by silver nanoparticles derived from neem and datura. The data presented in Figure 2 indicates a clear dose-dependent relationship regarding mortality rates, with the highest concentration of 20 ml of silver nanoparticles in 80 ml of water resulting in significantly elevated mortality rates of 83% and 73.3% for neem and datura, respectively, when compared to other concentrations. The control treatment, which involved only water, exhibited the lowest mortality rate of 3.3% when leaves were exposed to fall armyworm.

Figure 3 illustrates that the highest mortality rates were observed at a concentration of 50 ml of silver nanoparticles in 50 ml of water, resulting in significantly elevated mortality rates of 86.6% and 63.3% for onion and tobacco, respectively, in comparison to other concentrations. The lowest mortality rates recorded were 30% and 33% for these treatments. The control group, which received only water, showed a mortality rate of 6.6 %.

Figure 4 demonstrates a dose-dependent effect on mortality, with a concentration of 60 ml of silver nanoparticles in 40 ml of water leading to significantly higher mortality rates of 76.6% and 63.3% for ginger and mint, respectively, compared to other concentrations. In contrast, the lowest concentrations resulted in mortality rates of 33% and 16.6%. The control treatment, which involved only water, recorded a minimum mortality rate of 6% when leaves were fed to fall armyworms.

Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles from Various Plant Sources

1. Tobacco-derived Silver Nanoparticles: AgNPs synthesized from tobacco exhibited mortality in S. frugiperda. This high level of efficacy suggests that tobacco-derived nanoparticles are highly effective in controlling this pest. The high mortality rate indicates potent bioactivity, which could be attributed to the unique phytochemicals present in tobacco that enhance the nanoparticles' insecticidal properties.

2. Onion-derived Silver Nanoparticles: AgNPs from onion showed a mortality. While lower than tobacco-derived AgNPs, this level of efficacy is still significant. Onions are known for their rich content of sulfur compounds, which may contribute to the observed insecticidal effects.

3. Mint-derived Silver Nanoparticles: Mint-synthesized AgNPs resulted in mortality. Mint’s essential oils and other phytochemicals could enhance the effectiveness of the nanoparticles, making them a viable option for pest control.

4. Ginger-derived Silver Nanoparticles: Ginger-derived AgNPs demonstrated a mortality. Ginger's bioactive compounds might play a role in the effectiveness of these nanoparticles against S. frugiperda.

5. Datura-derived Silver Nanoparticles: AgNPs from Datura achieved a mortality rate of 86%. Datura plants contain alkaloids and other compounds that could potentiate the insecticidal activity of the nanoparticles, positioning them as an effective bio-based pest management tool.

6. Neem-derived Silver Nanoparticles: Neem-derived AgNPs resulted in a mortality rate of 76%. Although lower compared to other plant sources, neem is traditionally known for its insecticidal properties, and its AgNPs might still offer some benefits in pest management.

The use of nanoparticles offers a novel approach to pest management and gives the following benefits.

1. Environmental Impact: The potential for nanoparticles to affect non-target organisms and soil health is a critical concern.

2. Resistance Development: As with any pest management strategy, there is a risk of resistance development. Continuous monitoring is essential for S. frugiperda might adapt to nanoparticle-based treatments.

3. Cost and Scalability: The practical application of nanoparticles in large-scale agriculture involves considerations of cost and scalability.

Research conducted by Ibrahim et al. (2020) and Devi et al. (2014) indicated a 70% mortality rate when silver nanoparticles derived from onion were utilized, alongside observed antimicrobial properties (Jafir et al., 2021). Furthermore, Gupta et al. (2018) conducted a study on the efficacy of silver nanoparticles against S. litura in tobacco fields, with results consistent with the current findings. Ginger nanoparticles are primarily utilized for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties (El-Refai et al., 2018). In contrast, plant extracts are employed as mosquito repellents (Khan et al., 2021), although they exhibit low mortality rates in various insect species (Thakur et al., 2022). Consequently, the insecticidal efficacy of these substances has not been thoroughly documented, leading to their predominant use in antimicrobial applications and as mosquito repellents. These results align with the findings of Sanchis and Bourguet (2008), Pascoli et al. (2020), Reed et al. (2001), who reported an 84% mortality rate in Lepidoptera and cotton pests when utilizing neem silver nanoparticles. Additionally, Gulzar et al. (2020) and Umair et al. (2020) applied datura plant extracts and silver nanoparticles to Trogoderma granarium, observing a mortality rate of 67% within 72 hours. The variations in mortality rates can be attributed to the different insect species used in the experiments involving silver nanoparticles.

The exploration of nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles, as a means to manage Spodoptera frugiperda, represents a promising area of research in pest control. Their unique properties offer potential advantages over traditional methods, including enhanced efficacy and reduced environmental impact.

The fall armyworm poses a significant threat to maize crops, resulting in considerable economic damage. Due to its resistance to various insecticides, the current research assessed the efficacy of several plant-derived nanoparticles in combating this pest. The findings of the study indicated that both datura and neem exhibited notable biocidal properties against the fall armyworm. Additionally, it is advisable to incorporate these nanoparticles with environmentally sustainable methods for effective management of the fall armyworm.

FAW Fall armyworm

AgNPs Silver Nanoparticles

PPM Part Per Millions

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The author expresses sincere thanks and a deep sense of gratitude to Dr. S.S. Kale, Principle of K.R.T. Art, B.H. Commerce & A.M. Science collage, Nashik. We were also thankful to the P.G. Department of Zoology and Research Centre of the college. I pay my gratitude to Dr. V. R. Kakulate, Head Department of Zoology, Dr. Ramnath Andhale, Prof. Pratik Shinde, and Prof. Mahadev Atole for their valuable guidance.

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTION

The study was designed by SSL and DBG. SSL was responsible for the creation of the nanoparticles, execution of the experiments, and data collection. MDG helped in writing the manuscript. DBG provided oversight and supervised research work. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript.

Funding

Not applicable.

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest

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No competing interests reported.

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Control of Spodoptera frugiperda by using plant-derived Nanoparticles in Nashik District Maharashtra India

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