Multigenerational Effects of Chitosan-Alginate Nanoparticles on the Predator Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Neuroptera Chrysopidae)
Deepa Bhagat
*
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India.
S. N. Sushil
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India and ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, 226002, UP, India.
S. Srujana
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India and Department of Biotechnology, School of sciences, Jain University, J.C. Road, Bengaluru 560027, Karnataka, India.
Gourav Sabharwal
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu, Chatha 180009, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Shubam Sharma
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu, Chatha 180009, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Riya Kalsotra
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu, Chatha 180009, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Prabhulinga Tenguri
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India.
Paramanandham Krishnamoorthy
ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, 5600064, Bengaluru, Karnataka India.
S. K. Arun Kumar
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The increasing agricultural use of polymeric nanoparticles requires evaluation of their long-term effects on beneficial arthropods. This study investigated the biological and histological responses of the predator Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi to continuous dietary exposure to chitosan–alginate nanoparticles over ten generations (F₁–F₁₀). Nanoparticles synthesised by ionic gelation were characterised using dynamic light scattering (DLS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). FE-SEM showed predominantly spherical particles, while DLS indicated mean hydrodynamic diameters of 353.2 ± 227.4 nm and 371.8 ± 60.9 nm for particles recovered at 5,000 and 16,000 rpm, respectively. Development, reproduction, morphometry, longevity, and tissue structure were evaluated. Egg hatchability in F₂ was 49.66% in the treatment and 65.19% in the control; by F₁₀, the corresponding values were 71.03% and 69.93%. Most endpoints were comparable between groups. Although significant differences occurred in isolated generations, their direction was inconsistent and did not increase progressively with continued exposure. Fecundity did not differ significantly between groups in any generation, and histological examination revealed no consistent treatment-related alterations in the mouthparts, musculature, or midgut. Continuous exposure caused no cumulative impairment under the tested laboratory conditions. These findings provide initial evidence that chitosan–alginate nanoparticles may be compatible with C. zastrowi sillemi.
Keywords: Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi, chitosan–alginate nanoparticles, biological control, multigenerational toxicity, beneficial arthropods