The use of nanofertilizers has both advantages and concerns. One benefit is that nano-fertilizers can enhance plant resistance against insect pests, making them a valuable strategy in integrated pest management (IPM). This study focused on the effect of wheat leaves treated with nano-chelated fertilizers and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on the wheat aphid (Schizaphis graminum Rondani), a harmful pest of wheat plants that transmits dangerous viruses. The nano-Cu treatment showed the longest pre-adult longevity. Additionally, the nano-Cu treatment resulted in the lowest adult longevity, fecundity, nymphoposition day number, intrinsic rate of population growth (r), finite rate of population increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R₀) and gross reproductive rate (GRR). Also, nano-Cu treatment led to the highest amount of (T). The N treatment led to the highest levels of fecundity, nymphoposition days, r, λ, and R₀. Nano-Fe and nano-Zn demonstrated fewer negative effects on S. graminum life table parameters than nano-Cu. Our results indicate that N treatment yielded numerous advantageous effects on the wheat aphid while simultaneously impeding the efficacy of the aphid control program. Conversely, nano-Cu treatment exhibited a detrimental influence on various parameters of the aphid’s life table, resulting in a reduction in the pest’s fitness. Consequently, the integration of nano-Cu should be seriously considered as a viable option in the IPM of the wheat aphid.

New formulation of diflubenzuron, was carried out through a simple and green route using polyethylene glycol (PEG). The insecticidal efficacy of PEG nano-capsules loaded with diflubenzuron (DFB) pesticide was evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera (Heb). The loaded nanoparticles had the spherical-shape and an average size of 80 ± 20 nm. In the acute toxicity bioassay, 2nd instar larvae of H. armigera were exposed to either DFB or fabricated DFB@NPs for 96 h. According to the results, the LC₅₀ values were 316.87 and 139.36 µg a.i./mL for DFB and fabricated DFB@NPs, respectively. Also, the results of the contact toxicity bioassay against the egg stage of the pest revealed the LC₅₀ values of 70.74 and 8.58 µg a.i./mL for DFB and nanoparticles prepared by PEG-400, respectively. Controlled release experiments showed that DFB@NPs releases the active ingredient over a prolonged period. This study revealed that the nanoformulation of diflubenzuron by PEG-400 can improve its insecticidal efficacy against H. armigera. The residue of DFB was analyzed via an HPLC and showed that after 3 weeks the residue of DFB and DFB@NPs were much lower than MRLs. Overall, our results indicated that the nanoformulation of diflubenzuron is more economical and environmentally friendly than traditional formulations.

In the current study, the inhibitory effect of extracts from Gramineae (wheat, barley, and corn) and Leguminosae (sophora, bean, and pea) seeds was studied on the digestive alpha-amylase activity in cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner). The insect was bred on artificial food based on Vigna unguiculata in the greenhouse condition (26 ± 2 °C, 60 ± 10% (Relative Humidity), R.H., 16:8 (Light: Darkness), L: D). The extracts of wheat (95.2%), barley (84.6%), corn (73.8%), sophora (77%), Vigna unguiculata (52%), and pea (56.7%) significantly inhibited the alpha-amylase activity in H. armigera. Studying the impact of different fractions (obtained via deposition at various concentrations of ammonium sulfate salt) on the alpha-amylase enzyme activity demonstrated that in 0–30% fractions, wheat, barley, and sophora have the highest effect (95.26%, 94.65%, and 94.73%, respectively) compared to the other fractions. The inhibitory activities of 0–30% fractions of corn, bean, and pea were 83.3, 56.94, and 50.92%, respectively. In 30–50% fractions, the most effective ones were those of wheat and barley with the inhibitory activity of 79.7% and 82.9%, respectively. In addition, bean and pea fractions inhibited 25.2% and 27.5%, in that order. No significant inhibitory impact was detected in 50–70% or higher fractions. The investigation of the impact of pH values (i.e., 2, 4, 8, and 10) on the inhibition of the alpha-amylase enzyme activity introduced 8–10 as the optimum pH in H. armigera. Nanotechnology offers several ways to enhance plant-based pesticides, which are a solution for making plant extract usage more efficient. The exploration of plant-based pesticides, in conjunction with the incorporation of nanotechnology and other scientific fields, offers a wide range of prospects for further investigation.

The detrimental side effects of synthetic chemicals in managing insect pests have led researchers to create environmentally friendly and effective alternatives. The insecticidal potential of essential oils isolated from three available aromatic plants, Satureja intermedia, Thymus vulgaris, and Zataria multiflora, was assessed for their effects on Callosobruchus maculatus. Chemical analysis indicated that essential oils contain a high percentage of terpenic compounds, dominated by carvacrol, thymol, and p-cymene. Acute toxicity assays revealed significant toxicity, with 72 h LC₅₀ (lethal concentration to kill 50% of the tested insects) values of 0.16 μL/g for S. intermedia, 0.10 μL/g for T. vulgaris, and 0.10 μL/g for Z. multiflora against adults of C. maculatus. Treatment with the 24 h LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ of essential oils significantly extended the developmental and preoviposition periods while reducing the fecundity and longevity of adults. The demographic parameters, including the intrinsic rate of increase (r), gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R₀), and finite rate of increase (λ), were also significantly decreased by exposure to essential oils. On the basis of their acute toxicity and chronic effects on life history parameters, S. intermedia, T. vulgaris, and Z. multiflora essential oils have high potential for managing C. maculatus.

The first Iranian species of Copidosoma Ratzeburg, was described in 1970, followed by a second species in 2016. Both species are parasitoids of lepidopterous pests on Pistacia. This study expands the Iranian fauna of this genus through the discovery of a new species, Copidosoma haloxylonae Lotfalizadeh sp. nov., associated with the saxaul tree, Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A. Meyer). Additionally, we report the first record of Psyllaephagus ogazae Sugonjaev for Iran, reared from the same host plant. To contextualize these findings, we provide a comprehensive checklist of all six Iranian Copidosoma species with distribution and biological data, a dichotomous key for their identification, and a redescription of P. ogazae based on Iranian specimens. These results significantly contribute to the understanding of chalcidoid wasp diversity and host associations in arid ecosystems of Iran.