Efficacy of silica nanoparticles on groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus (Olivier) (Coleoptera, Bruchidae)

Abstract

In Senegal, post-harvest losses caused by groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus, are detrimental to farmers and affect national economy. The objectivie of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of silica nanoparticles against C. serratus. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse microemulsion and different concentrations (0.17, 0.33, 0.67 and 1.7 mg kg-1) were tested on mortality and fecundity of C. serratus. Result showed that silica nanoparticles had high toxicity on C. serratus adults. Adults’ mortality increased with concentrations and time of exposure to each concentration. Up to 100% mortality was observed with high concentrations (0.67 and 1.7 mg kg-1) after 6 and 7 days post exposure, respectively. Additionally, fecundity potential of C. serratus was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by silica nanoparticles. Results of this study clearly demonstrated that silica nanoparticles can be used as a valuable tool for the control of C. serratus in stored groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) .

Key words: Pests, post-harvest, reverse microemulsion