Novel treatment of gelatin-copper bio-nanoparticles as a management method against the spiny bollworm,Earias insulana, (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)in comparison studies with the uncoated nanoparticles

Spiny bollworm,Earias insulanacauses drastic damages in cotton crop. A new safe strategy rather than insecticide is urgent for its control. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and gelatin-copper nanoparticles (G-CuNPs) were biosynthesized safely using fungal filtrates ofAspergillus wentii,Aspergillus mottaeandenecillium expansum. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscope, Dynamic Light Scattering and Fourier Transform Infrared. G-CuNPs were smaller in size and had strong inhibitory activity againstE. insulanathan CuNPs at all experimental conditions. The treatment with G-CuNPs synthesized byA. wentiireleased lowest values of LC(50)and LC(90)and caused the highest value of larval and pupal mortality, pupal mortality and pupation of the insect. There was highly significant decrease in the percentage of hatchability and egg numbers in the case of treatment with all types of experimental nanoparticles, where G-CuNPs was the best at all. G-CuNPs can be used safely in a management program againstEarias insulana.

Automated summary

The study confirmed that gelatin-copper nanoparticles biosynthesized using fungal filtrates were the most effective in controlling the spiny bollworm, causing significant decreases in mortality rates and inhibiting egg hatching.