title: Nano-formulation enhances insecticidal activity of natural pyrethrins against Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and retains their harmless effect to non-target predators.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 Stefanou Delta Str, 14561, Kifisia, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikos E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Papanikolaou
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece.|MTM Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
authors.forename: Argyro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kalaitzaki
authors.affiliation: Department of Pesticides' Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 Stefanou Delta Str, 14561, Kifisia, Greece.
authors.forename: Filitsa
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Karamaouna
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 Stefanou Delta Str, 14561, Kifisia, Greece.
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Michaelakis
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Papadimitriou
authors.affiliation: VIORYL S.A., Afidnes, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dourtoglou
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 Stefanou Delta Str, 14561, Kifisia, Greece. d.papachristos@bpi.gr.
authors.forename: Dimitrios P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Papachristos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001042:Aphids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development*; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000737:chemistry*; D004655:Emulsions; D007306:Insecticides / Q000737:chemistry*; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects*; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013729:Terpenes
chemical_list: D004655:Emulsions; D007306:Insecticides; D011722:Pyrethrins; D013729:Terpenes
keywords: Aphids; Insecticides; Micro-emulsions; Nano-technology; Predators; Pyrethrins