Green synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles from latex of Calatropis procera against dusky cotton bug

The dusky cotton bug is a small insect that poses a significant threat to cotton crops. Due to increasing reports on the development of resistance in this insect against insecticides, efforts to control this pest must involve other environment-friendly strategies. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has generated an alternative pest control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of green synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) NPs using latex of Calatropis procera against dusky cotton bug 2nd and 4th instar nymph and adult stage. The optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy whereas, surface morphology was checked through Scanning Electron Microscopy. A detailed XRD analysis of the synthesized particles confirmed that the particles belong to the anatase phase, of the tetragonal crystal system. When checked for their insecticidal potential against dusky cotton bugs (2nd and 4th instar nymph and adult stage) through the leaf dip method, the nanoparticles-controlled insect population was up to 95% with highest in 2nd instar nymphs and lowest in adults. However, the insecticidal activity was found directly proportional to the concentration of nanoparticles used.