Title
In-vitro evaluation of copper nanoparticles as a potential control agent against the fungal symbionts of the invasive ambrosia beetle Euwallacea fornicatus
Date Issued
01 May 2021
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Cruz L.F.
Cruz J.C.
Carrillo D.
Mtz-Enriquez A.I.
Lamelas A.
Ibarra-Juarez L.A.
Instituto de Ecología A. C
Publisher(s)
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
The tea shot-hole borer (THSB), a member of the Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff 1868) complex of species, harboring the plant pathogenic symbiotic fungi (AF-6, AF-8, and Fusarium sp.) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) attacks avocado (Persea americana Miller) and other tree species in Florida. Currently, their management is limited to prevention and sanitation; therefore, the development of novel control alternatives is critical to mitigate pest outbreaks and avoid massive crop losses. Here, we report on the antifungal activity of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) against the beetle/fungus complex and their effect on the beetle's reproduction. The results revealed that the synthesized Cu-NPs were pure metallic Cu with an average size of 240.88 ± 62.66 nm measured by electron microscopy. The antifungal test for symbionts showed that 0.75 mg/mL of Cu-NPs caused growth inhibition above 60%. However, strong alterations in the morphology of fungal cells were observed at Cu-NPs concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/mL. Additionally, treatments with 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL of Cu-NPs led to a reduction in offspring production in a concentration dependent manner. According to our findings, the application of Cu-NPs could be potentially considered as an alternative for the control of the beetle-fungi complex or even be integrated into novel disease management strategies.
Volume
143
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Agricultura
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85100393035
Source
Crop Protection
ISSN of the container
02612194
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus