Examining Innovative Technologies: Nano-Chelated Fertilizers for Management of Wheat Aphid ( Schizaphis graminum Rondani).

The use of nanofertilizers has both advantages and concerns. One benefit is that nano-fertilizers can enhance plant resistance against insect pests, making them a valuable strategy in integrated pest management (IPM). This study focused on the effect of wheat leaves treated with nano-chelated fertilizers and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on the wheat aphid ( Schizaphis graminum Rondani), a harmful pest of wheat plants that transmits dangerous viruses. The nano-Cu treatment showed the longest pre-adult longevity. Additionally, the nano-Cu treatment resulted in the lowest adult longevity, fecundity, nymphoposition day number, intrinsic rate of population growth (r), finite rate of population increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R ₀ ) and gross reproductive rate (GRR). Also, nano-Cu treatment led to the highest amount of (T). The N treatment led to the highest levels of fecundity, nymphoposition days, r, λ, and R ₀ . Nano-Fe and nano-Zn demonstrated fewer negative effects on S. graminum life table parameters than nano-Cu. Our results indicate that N treatment yielded numerous advantageous effects on the wheat aphid while simultaneously impeding the efficacy of the aphid control program. Conversely, nano-Cu treatment exhibited a detrimental influence on various parameters of the aphid's life table, resulting in a reduction in the pest's fitness. Consequently, the integration of nano-Cu should be seriously considered as a viable option in the IPM of the wheat aphid.
Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.