Abstract
•Biosynthesis of AgNPs using Dicrocephala integrifolia leaf extract.•AgNPs was characterized by UV, XRD, SEM, TEM and zeta potential.•Highest insecticidal and longer life span was observed on all tested organisms.•Histopathological alterations were observed on treated organisms.
In present study demonstrated that bio efficiency of Dicrocephala integrifolia plant extract used as a reducing agent for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) treated against Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized through UV spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. The AgNPs treated larvae exhibited antifeedant activity against S. litura (76.94%) and H. armigera (79.24%). The obtained larval mortality rates (69.76% and 68.04%) with LC50 values of 99.39 ppm and 108.68 ppm and pupicidal rates (74.30% and 72.11%) against S. litura and H. armigera. X2 values were significant at the P ≤ 0.05 level. Histologically changes were observed in treated larval midgut tissues compared to control. These results suggested that biosynthesized NPs suitable for ecofriendly insect pest management.