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Research on Crops

The role of iron oxide-nanoparticles in protecting wheat seeds from infestation by Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) 


DOI: 10.31830/2348-7542.2026.ROC-1255    | Article Id: ROC-1255 | Page : 32-42
Citation :- The role of iron oxide-nanoparticles in protecting wheat seeds from infestation by Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae). Res. Crop. 27: 32-42
MUQDAD ALI ABDULLAH, SAWSAN AHMED KHALAF ELHADEETI AND FALAH ABOOD SABIT muqdad@coagri.uobaghdad.edu.iq
Address : Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
Submitted Date : 21-10-2025
Accepted Date : 24-01-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the effect of indirect treatment with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) green synthesized by Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves extract on some biotic sides of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum through wheat seeds treatment in the Laboratory of Economic Insects, Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture, Baghdad University, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq. The synthesized IONs were characterized through Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The average mean diameter of IONs was 47.94 nm with a spherical shape, which falls within the nanoscale range. The results displayed the increasing effectiveness of IONs directly with increasing concentration. The highest concentration (3000 ppm) recorded the highest hatching inhibition rate at all temperatures and exposure periods (Ep). At 40°C, the highest inhibition rate was recorded, reaching 77.66% at a concentration of 3000 ppm after 60 hours (Ep), which was considered as the best result. The best lethal effect on T. castaneum larvae was recorded at a concentration of 3000 ppm at a temperature of 40°C and after an E.p of 60 hours, with a mortality rate reaching 100%. Regarding the mortality rate of T. castaneum pupae, at a concentration of 2000 ppm, the effect began to appear with the rise in temperature and the increase in the Ep; the highest mortality rate was recorded at a concentration of 3000 ppm, reaching a peak at 40°C at 50.66% after 60 hours. As for its effect on mortality rate of the adults, it was found increasing in the rates to reach the highest effectiveness recorded at a concentration of 3000 ppm, and at the same concentration, the mortality rates were higher at temperatures of 35°C and 40°C compared to 30°C, and the mortality rate reached 98.33% at a concentration of 3000 ppm and at temperature of 40°C after 60 hours.

Keywords

Eucalyptus camaldulensis iron oxide nanoparticles Tribolium castaneum wheat seeds 

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