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Silica nanoparticles reduce soybean aphid fecundity without behavioural avoidance despite mixed effects on plant growth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 December 2025

YunLiang Ji ,
Reziwanguli Sulaiman ,
XiYao Xue ,
Li Bo ,
Han Xiao Open the ORCID record for Han Xiao [Opens in a new window] ,
Wang Dongze ,
Vol Oberemok ,
Mohammad Mukarram ,
Jamin Ali  and
Adil Tonğa
...Show all authors
YunLiang Ji
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Reziwanguli Sulaiman
Affiliation:
College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
XiYao Xue
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Li Bo
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Han Xiao
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Wang Dongze
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Vol Oberemok
Affiliation:
Department of General Biology and Genetics, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Republic of Crimea, Russia
Mohammad Mukarram
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Jamin Ali
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Adil Tonğa
Affiliation:
Entomology Department, Diyarbakır Plant Protection Research Institute, Diyarbakir, Türkiye
Qiyun Li
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Rizhao Chen*
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
*
Corresponding author: Rizhao Chen; Email: rizhaochen@jlau.edu.cn
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Abstract

Soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) pose a serious threat to global soybean production, necessitating sustainable control strategies. This study investigated silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) as an eco-friendly alternative, hypothesising they would suppress aphid populations while enhancing plant growth. Soybean plants were foliar-sprayed with SiNPs (0–1 mmol/L), and aphids were assessed across six assays: fecundity, survival, feeding preference, weight gain, olfactory response, and plant morphometrics. SiNPs significantly reduced aphid nymphal production and population growth at all concentrations but did not affect survival, weight gain, or host-seeking behaviour. Plant responses were mixed: leaf width increased at higher SiNPs doses, but plant height decreased, with no effects on leaf length, root/shoot biomass, or root length. These findings suggest that SiNPs could disrupt aphid reproduction without triggering behavioural avoidance. The absence of biomass reduction indicates potential for crop compatibility. This laboratory study reveals a novel, reproduction-targeted mode of action for SiNPs, highlighting its potential as a candidate for future development in sustainable IPM strategies. Further field-scale validation is required to confirm these effects under real-world conditions.

Keywords

nanoparticlesplant growth traitsreproductive suppressionsucking insect pestssustainable agriculture

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Type
Research Paper
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , First View , pp. 1 - 8
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press.

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