Ricerc@Sapienza

The green synthesis of nanopesticides has been recently proposed to improve the efficacy of mosquito control programs. However, limited efforts shed light on the impact of sub-lethal doses of nanopesticides on behavioral traits of mosquito biocontrol agents. We described the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) at room temperature using the aqueous extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides, and their high toxicity against the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus. LC50calculated on young instars ranged from 13 ppm (first instar larvae) to 19 ppm (pupae). LC50calculated on adults was 14 ppm.

The flea beetle, Psylliodes chalcomera, was previously permitted as a biological control agent of Carduus nutans (musk thistle) in the USA. However, during subsequent exploration for prospective biological control agents of Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle), we observed individuals attacking this plant in southern Russia. We also observed this insect on Onopordum spp. (Scotch thistle), which raised the question whether this beetle is polyphagous, or whether it is comprised of biotypes, host races or cryptic species that are specialized on different host plants.

Agroecological research was carried out in northern Cameroon from 2008 to 2014 to develop a strategy aiming to encourage the action of natural enemies against lepidopteran pests in cotton crops and in surrounding landscapes. Tachinidae is one of the most diverse families of Diptera in the Afrotropics and represents an important group of endoparasitoids, although their role as biocontrol agents in crops is still poorly understood in Africa.