Entomopathogen Mediated Synthesis of Silver-Nanoparticles and it's efficacy on Lepidopteran larvae

The efficacy of Silver-Nanoparticles as a larvicide with the help of entomopathogenic fungi, Trichoderma ressei shows major larvicidal activity against the major Indian lepidopteran pest; Spilosoma obliqua . T.ressei synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNps) were characterized structurally by UV vis Spectrophotometer and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The optimum pH (alkaline), temperature (28 – 30 C) and agitation (150 rpm) for AgNps synthesis and the stability of these AgNps were confirmed by change of colour. S. obliqua larvae (I – V instars) were found high susceptibility than any other lepidopteran pest. However, the rate of mortality was indirectly proportional to the larval instar and the concentration gradient. This is the first report for synthesis of AgNps from Entomopathogenic fungi i.e. T. ressei against S. obliqua (The Bihar Hairy Caterpillar) as biological pest control.