Control of Spodoptera frugiperda by using plant-derived Nanoparticles in Nashik District Maharashtra India

Abstract Background Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous lepidopteran pest known for its ability to devastate crops by feeding on leaves, stems, and flowers. The larval stage is particularly damaging, capable of stripping plants of foliage and significantly reducing yields. Traditional pest management strategies, including chemical insecticides, face challenges such as resistance development and environmental concerns, prompting the need for alternative control methods. The multivarious and economically significant fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a pest insect native to tropical and subtropical regions of North America. It poses a severe danger to food security due to its strong flying ability, adaptability to many climates, and wide host range. It causes high economic losses in numerous grains, vegetables, and cash crops. Many issues, such as insecticide resistance, the recurrence of insect pests, the creation of biotypes, and environmental risks, were brought about by the overreliance and abuse of pesticides in the management of Fall Armyworm. Employing biocontrol agents and green synthesis nanoparticles, which are environmentally benign pest control technologies, is the most significant alternative to address these issues. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are particularly interesting due to their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio enhances their interaction with biological systems, making them potentially effective in pest management. Thus, the current investigation aimed to assess the toxicity of several plant-based synthetic nanoparticles. The biocontrol agent Trichogramma spp. has been evaluated against the fall armyworm. Result Silver nanoparticles derived from neem exhibited the highest mortality rate of 83% and the lowest rate of 40% among the second-instar larvae of the fall armyworm. In contrast, the silver nanoparticles from tobacco, onion, mint, ginger, and datura demonstrated mortality rates of 86%, 63%, 76%, 63%, and 73%, respectively, while the lowest mortality rates recorded were 30%, 33%, 30%, 23%, and 16%. Based on these findings, the nanoparticles from datura and neem are recommended as promising bio-based agents for managing Spodoptera frugiperda. Conclusion Silver nanoparticles derived from plant sources offer a promising alternative to traditional pest control methods. The high mortality rates observed with tobacco, mint, and datura-derived AgNPs highlight their potential as effective bio-based agents against Spodoptera frugiperda. Datura and neem are recommended as promising bio-based agents for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda based on their significant mortality rates and potential efficacy.