1Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500 007, Andhra Pradesh, India.
2Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjunanagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Control of lepidopteran insects which are serious pests of agriculture causing major economic losses is always a challenge, particularly when the whole world is insisting to reduce the usage of harmful synthetic pesticides. In this study, we formulated two terpene compounds, Nerolidol and Carene with silica nanoparticles (SINPs) by simple immersion method and investigated the interaction between these terpenes and SINPs controlled release, suspension stability and bioactivity against two major agricultural pests. Nerolidol and Carene showed considerable antifeedant activity in their normal state which could be further enhanced significantly by formulating with silica nanoparticles. Chemical characterization of nanobiocomposites by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of additives and their enhanced dispersion on formulations. These Nano-biocomposites also showed prolonged shelf-life and bioactivity.
Terpenes, Silica nanoparticles, nanobiocomposites, nano-bioformulations, insect antifeedant, agricultural pest control
