Insecticidal Activity and Growth Inhibiting Effects of Three Phases of Tio2 Nanoparticles via Food on First Instar Larvae of T. Castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) is major pest of stored grains .Annual post harvest losses resulting from insect damages, microbial deterioration and other factors are estimated to 10-25 % of worldwide production. Control of these insects depends majorly on many synthetic insecticide and fumigant application. But their widespread use has led to some serious issues. Store grains are found with increased toxic residue. There is increase in application cost also. So, there is an urgent need to provide alternatives which are safe in nature, user friendly & having low cost. Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) by mushroom extract is at present of more interest. NPs synthesis is useful in many biomedical application also eco-friendly in nature. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has also gained much attention due to many advantages over other oxides thin films. The advantages of TiO2 are it is toxic to insects, stability of hydrogen, optical and piezoelectric behaviours, plasma atmosphere and low price. In present work TiO2 NPs were synthesized using Phellinus mushroom sp. extract. It is one of the useful ceramic materials. TiO2 has many industrial utility and used in day to day life also. When Tribolium castaneum neonates were treated with TiO2 NPs (Sample I, II & III) through diet, the highest mortality was found in Sample-I treated first instar larvae of Tribolium castaneum. The time taken for pupation and adult emergence in treated samples were delayed by 6 to 8 days as compare to control. The percent pupation and percent adult emergence were also affected and were least in TiO2 –I (sample -I, II, &III), as compared to control. It also delayed development to adult stage and affects on fecundity and fertility of treated adults.