فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

This study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3-NPs) as nanopesticides to control sub-adult stages of the insect pest known as the great waxworm (Galleria mellonella). This insect is a major pest that attacks honeybees and causes significant economic losses to hives and stores. The experiment was carried out in the laboratories of the Faculty of Education for Pure Sciences at Kirkuk University during the period from 1 January 2025 to 1 April 2025. The concentrations used for both nanomaterials included 250, 500, and 1000 ppm, in addition to a control group. The statistical significance of the results was determined at the p≤0.05 level. The results showed that both types of nanoparticles had significant negative effects on the greater waxworm, and these effects were directly proportional to the increase in concentration. In the egg stage, an enhancement in the average hatching time and a reduction in the hatching rate were observed. In the larval stage, the duration of larval development increased and mortality increased significantly. These adverse effects continued in the pupal stage, where the duration of the pupal stage was increased and mortality was also increased. These effects are attributed to the ability of nanoparticles to induce oxidative stress and cell damage in the developmental stages. This study confirms that copper oxide and chromium oxide nanoparticles are effective in inhibiting the growth and increasing the mortality of wax worm stages.