Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using <i>Ocimum tenuiflorum</i> extract and its efficacy assessment against <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i>

Traditional methods of pest control are not able to prevent crop damage due to devastating pests. Therefore, through nanobiotechnology nano-bio pesticides and conjugated nanoparticles are produced as a pest control agent. The present work focused on the synthesis, characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using <i>Ocimum tenuiflorum</i> leave extract and its larvicidal activity against <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i>. AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectral analysis, indicated an absorbance of 4.695 at 560 nm. Moreover, Scanning Electron Microscope and X-ray Powder Diffraction showed that particles were spherical, ranging from 10 nm to 65 nm. The larvae of <i>H. armigera</i> were provided with an artificial diet with AgNPs coating of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 100% pure concentration. After 24 h, a dose response relationship in mortality was found maximum in pure AgNPs treated group, 83.33% and 75% in 0.75% treated group and 0.5% treated group, respectively. While the least mortality of 50% was observed in the 0.25%, AgNPs treated group. The LC50 calculated was 20.33 µL for AgNPs. It can be concluded that silver-nanoparticles possess a larvicidal effect. Furthermore, the biosynthesis of these particles is an efficient and profitable approach.