Reduction in Insect Attachment Caused by Different Nanomaterials Used as Particle Films (Kaolin, Zeolite, Calcium Carbonate)

Gianandrea Salerno, Manuela Rebora, Silvana Piersanti, Valerio Saitta, Alexander Kovalev, Elena Gorb and Stanislav Gorb
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Gianandrea Salerno: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Manuela Rebora: Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Silvana Piersanti: Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Valerio Saitta: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Alexander Kovalev: Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24098 Kiel, Germany
Elena Gorb: Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24098 Kiel, Germany
Stanislav Gorb: Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24098 Kiel, Germany

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-13

Abstract: In the present investigation, we compared the reduction in attachment ability of the southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to glass induced by three different nanoparticle (kaolin, zeolite, and calcium carbonate) films. Using traction force experiments, behavioral experiments, and scanning electron microscopy observations, we analyzed the insect attachment ability and linear speed on untreated and treated glass with the three particle films. The three nanomaterials strongly reduced insect attachment ability mainly owing to contamination of attachment pads. The ability to reduce insect attachment was different for the three tested particle films: kaolin and zeolite induced a significantly higher reduction in N. viridula safety factor than calcium carbonate. The coating of the surface was more uniform and compact in kaolin and zeolite compared to calcium carbonate particle film. Moreover, kaolin and zeolite particles can more readily adhere to N. viridula attachment devices, whereas calcium carbonate particles appeared less adherent to the cuticular surface compared to the two aluminosilicate (kaolin and zeolite) particles. Only the application of kaolin reduced insect linear speed during locomotion. Nanoparticle films have a great potential to reduce insect attachment ability and represent a good alternative to the use of insecticides for the control of pentatomid bugs and other pest insects.

Keywords: southern green stink bug; Nezara viridula; pulvilli; hairy pad; adhesion; aluminosilicate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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