Evaluation of toxic efficacy of silicon oxide nanoparticles on Sitophilus oryzae (L.) on Stored Maize grains under Laboratory conditions

This laboratory study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Silicon Oxide Nanoparticles against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) on stored maize grains. In the experiment, six different concentrations of SiO₂ NPs i.e., 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 500 ppm were tested on S. oryzae along with control. The results showed that nanosilica @ 500 ppm was most effective, resulting 100% mortality on five days after treatment followed by nanosilica @ 300 and 250 ppm which resulted in 100% mortality at eleven days after treatment. Also, no adult emergence was observed in maize treated with SiO₂ NPs even after sixty days of the treatment. This study revealed the promising role of SiO₂ NPs in wholesome development of sustainable agrobusiness.