Persian Journal of Acarology

Persian Journal of Acarology

Morphological,opticaland thermal propertiesof α-and γ-aluminum nanoparticles:Assessment of their biological activities against storage mitesand mycotoxin producing fungi

Authors
1 Department of Pests and Plant Protection, National Research Centre, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
2 Agricultural Microbiology Department, National Research Centre, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
3 Spectroscopy Department, National Research Centre, 12622, Giza, Egypt
4 Department of Animal Production, National Research Centre, 12622, Giza, Egypt
10.22073/pja.v13i3.85105
Abstract
Recently, using eco-friendly controlling methods against pests has been getting great attention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess synthesis of two different phases of nano aluminum oxide, alpha and Gamma, (α- and γ-Al2O3 NPs) from wastes. Additionally, evaluate them to control stored product mites, Mycetoglyphus fungivorus, and Caloglyphus mycophagus, and the fungi Aspergillus flavusAlternaria sp., and Fusarium oxysporum. Two phases of Al2ONPs were synthesized in acidic and basic media and characterized using the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Mortality percentages of mites were evaluated at concentrations of 10, 30 and 60 ppm after 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. The growth of fungi was assessed to determine the fungicidal concentrations in PDB cultures by Mycelium Dry Weights Method. The study confirmed the formation and thermal stability of α- and γ-Al2ONPs using FESEM, UV-Vis and TGA. The average particle size of α-Al2O3 is 4–10 nm and for γ- Al2O3 is 14–30 nm. Both phases were toxic to tested stages of mites. Increasing concentration and exposure time, results in increased mite mortality rates. γ-Al2O3 NPs were more efficient than α-NPs post initial exposure, then all through time both have the same effect. The female's fecundity was significantly influenced. Tested eggs did not hatch at all. The toxic activity remained strong after 1, 2, and 3 months of exposure. The SEM images revealed a strong adhesive of α- and γ-NPs which were visibly bonded to various areas of dead mite females. γ-Al2O3 showed antifungal activity more than the α-NPs. Concentrations of fungicides depended on the fungal strain sensitivity. It has been concluded that α- and γ-Al2O3 NPs are efficient environmentally friendly agents against the proliferation of storage mites and mycotoxin producing fungi.
Keywords