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Nano-formulation enhances insecticidal activity of natural pyrethrins against Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and retains their harmless effect to non-target predators

  • Plant-borne compounds and nanoparticles: challenges for medicine, parasitology and entomology
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Abstract

The insecticidal activity of a new nano-formulated natural pyrethrin was examined on the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and the predators Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae), in respect with the nano-scale potential to create more effective and environmentally responsible pesticides. Pyrethrin was nano-formulated in two water-in-oil micro-emulsions based on safe biocompatible materials, i.e., lemon oil terpenes as dispersant, polysorbates as stabilizers, and mixtures of water with glycerol as the dispersed aqueous phase. Laboratory bioassays showed a superior insecticidal effect of the pyrethrin micro-emulsions compared to two commercial suspension concentrates of natural pyrethrins against the aphid. The nano-formulated pyrethrins were harmless, in terms of caused mortality and survival time, to L3 larvae and four-instar nymphs of the predators C. septempunctata and M. pygmaeus, respectively. We expect that these results can contribute to the application of nano-technology in optimization of pesticide formulation, with further opportunities in the development of effective plant protection products compatible with integrated pest management practices.

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Acknowledgements

The study was funded by the Greek Secretary of Research and Technology within the frame of the common research project “Cooperation,” 09-ΣΥΝ-42-699. Authors would like to thank Maria Samara (Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Pesticides, Benaki Phytopathological Institute) for her technical assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 Stefanou Delta Str, 14561, Kifisia, Greece

    Nikos E. Papanikolaou, Antonios Michaelakis & Dimitrios P. Papachristos

  2. Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece

    Argyro Kalaitzaki & Vassiliki Papadimitriou

  3. MTM Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden

    Argyro Kalaitzaki

  4. Department of Pesticides’ Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 Stefanou Delta Str, 14561, Kifisia, Greece

    Filitsa Karamaouna

  5. VIORYL S.A., Afidnes, Greece

    Vassilis Dourtoglou

Authors
  1. Nikos E. Papanikolaou
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  2. Argyro Kalaitzaki
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  3. Filitsa Karamaouna
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  4. Antonios Michaelakis
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  5. Vassiliki Papadimitriou
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  6. Vassilis Dourtoglou
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  7. Dimitrios P. Papachristos
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Correspondence to Dimitrios P. Papachristos.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Papanikolaou, N.E., Kalaitzaki, A., Karamaouna, F. et al. Nano-formulation enhances insecticidal activity of natural pyrethrins against Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and retains their harmless effect to non-target predators. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 10243–10249 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8596-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8596-2

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