Insecticidal potential of Lantana camara L. ethanol and nano-silver extracts against the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella [Zeller]).

The extensive reliance on synthetic pesticides has led to considerable ecological disruption and negative impacts on non-target organisms worldwide. As a sustainable alternative, nanotechnology offers promising avenues for the development of innovative and environmentally safe biopesticides. In this study, the insecticidal efficacy of ethanol and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) extracts derived from Lantana camara L. was evaluated against the eggs and larvae of the Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimaea operculella [Zeller, 1873]), a quarantine pest of major concern in potato production in Türkiye. Toxicological assessments revealed dose-dependent larvae mortality, with LC₅₀-LC₉₀ values ranging from 6.49-51.45 ppm for ethanol extracts and 1.47-5.88 ppm for AgNPs formulations. Maximum inhibition of egg hatching was observed at 12% ethanol extract (86.51%) and 200 ppm AgNPs treatment (94.95%). Bioassay results demonstrated that AgNPs formulations of L. camara were significantly more effective than ethanol extracts in suppressing both larval and egg development. Moreover, potato tubers treated with AgNPs exhibited a pronounced reduction in adult moth emergence compared to untreated controls. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of L. camara nano-silver extracts as a sustainable biopesticide candidate for integrated management of P. operculella.