The encapsulation of essential oils (EOs) in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) represents an innovative and advanced approach to improve their stability and efficacy. This study evaluated, for the first time, the toxicity of Foeniculum vulgare EO (FVO), its main component, and nanoformulation (FVO-NLC) on Phthorimaea absoluta and their side effects on generalist predator, Macrolophus pygmaeus. The obtained FVO-NLC had spherical and small (86.32 nm) particle sizes, and its encapsulation efficacy was greater than 98%. FTIR analysis revealed no significant chemical interaction between EO and NLC components. Trans-anethole (TAL) (66.22%) was identified as the key FVO component. The leaf dip method was used for bioassays. FVO-NLC and FVO showed a similar level of contact toxicity against P. absoluta with LC₅₀ values of 5.57 and 5.44 µL/mL, respectively, while TAL had an LC₅₀ value of 3.93 µL/mL. The lethality test revealed the slow and persistent release of FVO from FVO-NLC. Furthermore, the life table data were analyzed using the TWO SEX-MSChart program. Results indicated that all selected bio-insecticides at their LC₅₀ values reduced fecundity and negatively affected biological and population growth parameters in target pest, and usage of them was proved to be harmless for the predator according to IOBC protocols.

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.

Plutella xylostella has become particularly notorious for its resistance to various insecticides. The toxicities of abamectin, hexaflumuron and indoxacarb to third instar larvae of the pest were assayed using the leaf-dipping method. The results showed that abamectin and indoxacarb with the lowest LC50 values exhibited stronger toxicity to larvae than hexaflumuron. To determine the synergism of PBO, DEM, DEF and TPP on the toxicity of tested insecticides and demonstrating possible biochemical mechanisms, an abamectin-, a hexaflu-muron- and an indoxacarb-resistant strain of P. xylostella were selected under laboratory conditions. After 10 generations of selection, the selected strains developed 14.21, 7.08, and 32.36-fold higher resistance to these insecticides, respectively. Abamectin resistance in abamectin-selected strain was suppressed with the synergists such as DEM and PBO, suggesting the involvement of monooxygeneses and glutathione S-transferase in the development of resistance in P. xylostella. Treatment with PBO and DEF significantly decreased the toxicity of hexaflumuron in the hexaflumuron-selected strain. Also, in indoxacarb-selected strain, the maximum synergism was occurred using PBO and DEF, followed by DEM and TPP. Hexaflumuron and indoxacarb synergism studies indicated in hexaflumuron resistance, monooxygenases and esterases, and in indoxacarb resistance, monooxygenases, esterases and glutathione S-transferae may be involved in the resistance mechanisms

Brevicoryne brassicae is a significant pest of cultivated cabbages and vegetable crops in the world. The present study was carried out to examine a potential strategy to enhance the insecticidal activity of Lecanicillium lecanii for cost-effective management of B. brassicae. The insecticidal efficacy of pure entomopathogenic fungus (PEF) and MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter) L. lecanii were assessed against the cabbage aphid under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The fungus was supported on MCM-41 and was completely characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques. LC50 values of PEF and MCM-41@fungus were 1.9×106 and 2.5×104 and 2.0×107 and 2.0×105 conidia/ml on adults of B. brassicae under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, respectively. Bioassays demonstrated that MCM-41@fungus significantly decreased LC50 values of entomopathogenic fungus and it was more toxic than L. lecanii at adult stage of the pest. The results showed that pure L. lecanii and its nano-formulation could play key roles as bio-pesticides in B. brassicae management programs.

In East Asia, especially in South Korea, Perilla frutescens L. is widely cultivated for food and industrial uses. Root-lesion nematodes, particularly Pratylenchus penetrans Cobb, are significant pests in Korean perilla fields, leading to chlorosis, root necrosis, and decreased yields. This study examined the effectiveness of hot-water treatment for controlling P. penetrans in P. frutescens under large-scale conditions at two different temperatures and durations. Additionally, because ornamental plants are often a main route for the international spread of quarantine plant-parasitic nematodes, two commonly traded ornamental species (Syngonium podophyllum L. and Schefflera arboricola L.) were examined alongside P. frutescens to assess how hot water treatment affected their health by measuring weight, chlorophyll content, and root length. Results indicated that the relative reduction in P. penetrans recovery was 99.66% at 48 °C for 20 min and 99.98% at 50 °C for 3 min. While some thermal damage was observed in P. frutescens following both treatments, exposing the plants to 50 °C for 3 min did not significantly affect the quality of S. podophyllum and S. arboricola. These results highlight that hot water treatment effectively controls plant-parasitic nematodes and maintains ornamental plant quality, which could aid in developing quarantine protocols for traded planting materials.