1Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand263 145, India
2ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh493 225, India
3Department of Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand263 145, India
4Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand248 002, India
*Corresponding author; E-mail: sourabhmaheshwari1998@gmail.com
Nanotechnology in pest management systems has emerged as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture. However, its potential implications for non-target beneficial soil biota remain inadequately explored. This study evaluated the ecotoxicological impact and compatibility of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN), Steinernema abbasi (PN-1 strain), a key biological control agent against insect pests. The AgNPs exhibited pronounced toxicity against S. abbasi, with mortality increasing significantly in a concentration- and exposure-dependent manner. The estimated LC50 at 8 h was 0.37 ppb (fiducial limits: 0.21-0.66 ppb), indicating the acute sensitivity of the nematode even at low concentrations. The LC30 and LC90 values were 0.03 ppb and 175.09 ppb, respectively, indicating a steep toxicity gradient. These findings suggest that AgNPs, despite their effectiveness as pest control agents, may adversely affect beneficial soil organisms such as EPNs in the soil biota.
Silver nanoparticles, Steinernema abbasi, Entomopathogenic nematodes, Dose-response, Biological control agents
