Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aesculus hippocastanum L. (Kernel and Shell) and Evaluation of Their Larvicidal Activity Against Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from horse chestnut organic wastes (kernel and shell) by phytosynthesis and to investigate the larvicidal activity of the obtained nanoproducts. In the characterisation tests (UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, STEM, EDS), the physico-chemical structure of the synthesised AgNPs was clearly obtained. In order to determine the larvicidal activity of the synthesised AgNPs, topical application of four different doses of AgNPs (50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) on second and fourth instar larvae of Indian meal moth (P. interpunctella) was carried out at two different temperatures (28-32 °C). The highest larvicidal activity was observed at the end of the fourth day, at the highest application dose (200 ppm), at 32 °C and in the nanoproduct obtained from the kernel (99% mortality rate for second instar larvae and 92% mortality rate for fourth instar larvae). It was observed that second instar larvae were more sensitive to AgNPs compared to fourth instar larvae, and as the applied temperature increased, the concentration values required for lethal effect and the exposure times required for killing decreased. According to the larvicidal activity data obtained, it was determined that the type of extract used in the synthesis, the temperature of the environment selected for application, the dose amounts applied and the exposure time are very important in this type of nano-insecticidal studies.

Keywords

• Horse chestnut
• Organic waste
• AgNPs
• Indian meal moth
• Larvicidal activity

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