ItemArticle

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Vitex negundo: Pesticidal efficacy against Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera with a safety assessment

Title
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Vitex negundo: Pesticidal efficacy against Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera with a safety assessment
Creator
Jiang, Yingying; Alagesan, Paari Kuppusamy
Description
Plant-based metallic nanoparticles hold promise for agricultural applications. This study investigated the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Vitex negundo leaf extract. It assessed their pesticidal properties and safety. AgNPs were synthesized via aqueous extract and characterized by UVVis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) Characterization revealed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 435 nm, an average particle size of 236.4 nm, and a stable zeta potential. SEM confirmed spherical morphology, XRD indicated a face-centred cubic (fcc) structure, and FTIR confirmed biomolecule-mediated capping and stabilization. Larvicidal bioassays showed that 5 mg/L AgNPs caused 78-89% mortality in Spodoptera litura and 83-100% in Helicoverpa armigera. In both pests, oxidative stress was triggered. Catalase (CAT) activity increased by over 80% in S.litura and moderately in H. armigera. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity declined post-treatment, from 9.4 to 5.0 mM/ min/mg protein in H. armigera and from 1.0 to 0.7 mM/min/mg protein in S. litura, indicating impaired detoxification. In Oreo-chromis urolepis, AgNPs (5, 10, and 25 mg/L) induced oxidative stress without mortality. CAT activity decreased within 24 hours (72.4% at 5 mg/L) and remained suppressed by day 5 (36.7% at 25 mg/L). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at 5 mg/L (19.8%) and 25 mg/L (54.8%), while GST initially declined but rebounded at higher concentrations. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels increased by 24.3% at 25 mg/L, indicating adaptation. This study highlights that V. negundo-derived AgNPs are effective, eco-friendly biopesticides with minimal non-target toxicity. Author (s).
Source
Journal of Applied and Natural Science;Volume;17;Issue;3;pp.1180-1192
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Applied and Natural Science Foundation
Subject
Characterization; Larvicidal activity; Safety assessment; Silver nanoparticles; Vitex negundo leaves
Coverage
Jiang Y., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Alagesan P.K., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India
Rights
All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Relation
ISSN: 9749411;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Jiang, Yingying; Alagesan, Paari Kuppusamy, “Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Vitex negundo: Pesticidal efficacy against Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera with a safety assessment,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 22, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/23471.

Output Formats