Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves extract on sugarcane pests

Abstract

Background: Injudicious pesticide use can hinder sustainable  agriculture practices by causing several ecological and environmental safety issues. Nanotechnology has enabled the  development of nano-sized pesticides, including improved plant  absorption and conduction with increased efficacy, lower dosage, delayed resistance, reduced residues, and protection from beneficial insects and natural predators. Assessing the  insecticidal qualities of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) made from Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves extract against Diatraea saccaralis, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Cavelerius excavates that damage sugarcane crops was the aim of this study. Methodology: Preparation of leaf extract and salt solution was done for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles.  Characterisation of ZnO-NPs were done by using different techniques such as UV visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transmission Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Insects were exposed to various concentrations of ZnO-NPs ( i.e. 100, 200, 300, and 500 ppm)  to evaluate their insecticidal activity. One-way (ANOVA) was used to analyse mortality data. Result: Results revealed that mortality against ZnO-NPs was concentration-dependent, with greaterconcentrations leading to higher mortality rates. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that ZnO-NPs can be used effectively against sugarcane pests in a pest management program.  However, to fully understand the ecological implications of using ZnO-NPs as pesticides, more research is required.