Effect of Green Nanoparticles and Some Chemical Insecticides Against Thrips Insects

Abstract

       Thrips tabaci (lind.) is one of the most economically damaging pests of onions, because of its high rate of reproduction, short generation period, and capacity to harm onion plants during their growth seasonThe green synthesis of metal nanoparticles offer answers to problems related to the environment and human health. This work aimed to create nanoparticles by plant extract to study their effects on onion thrips, which have not been studied before. UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to confirm the analysis of NPs. Furthermore, the primary components of NPs were revealed through chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Also, nanoparticles and insecticidal action were assessed after 24-hour treatment at a dosage of 140mg/mL, where the mortality rates of nanoparticles were 99.53% as opposed to 43.55% for the plant extract treatment. Moreover, the effects of NPs, plant extract, and chemical insecticides on total protein concentrations and detoxifying enzymes including α- and β-esterase, acid, and alkaline phosphatase were examined. Additionally, histological changes discovered after exposure to NPs and chemical insecticides were demonstrated. Overall, the study's results unmistakably showed that the nanoparticles may have great potential for application as cutting-edge, ecologically friendly pesticides to reduce T. tabaci in onion fields.