Nanoinert diatomaceous and emamectin benzoate: Enhancing wheat protection against fall armyworms for sustainable management
Trandil F. Wahba, Gehan T. El‐Bassyouni, A. M. El-Shamy, Mona N. Wahba
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda , poses a significant global threat to agriculture due to its wide geographic range, high reproductive rate, and ability to thrive in diverse climates and habitats. A field study was conducted to evaluate the potential of nano-inert dust particles, specifically nano-diatomaceous earth (N-DE) and nano-potassium silicate (N-K 2 SiO 3 ), individually and in combination with emamectin benzoate , to manage FAW larvae infesting wheat plants ( Triticum aestivum L.). The field experiments occurred during the winter seasons of 2021 and 2022 in Qaha, Qalubya Governorate, Egypt. Results revealed that the combined application of N-DE and N-K 2 SiO 3 with emamectin benzoate outperformed other treatments, achieving larval reduction rates of 93.33 % and 86.66 % in 2021 and 89.31 % and 86.90 % in 2022 after a 10-day interval from the second spray. Moreover, supplementation with N-DE and N-K 2 SiO 3 enhanced plant height, tiller count, leaf number, foaming, suspensibility, surface tension, and pH compared to using emamectin benzoate alone. Additionally, foliar application of N-K 2 SiO 3 and N-DE increased total flavonoids (4.23 and 3.24 mg CE/g) and total phenolic compounds (1.35 and 1.12 mg/g F. Wt.), as well as plant silicate content, indicating improved plant health and pest resistance. This study underscores the efficacy of N-DE and N-K 2 SiO 3 in reducing FAW infestations and enhancing plant growth and defense mechanisms.