Development of Green Pesticides Based on Nanotechnology and Ecological Impact Assessment

Abstract

Overuse of synthetic pesticides has led to environmental deterioration, pest resistance, and food contamination, thus posing an urgent requirement for ecologically friendly substitutes. Nanotechnology offers a powerful platform for the development of nano-based biopesticides with the potential to deliver natural active ingredients more efficiently and with reduced ecological impacts. Here, we outline nano-bioformulations (e.g. metallic and polymeric nanoparticles) synthesis methods, apply them to pest control trial, and assess key performance and safety endpoints. Based on our simulated findings from recent literature, we illustrate that nanoformulations are capable of delivering much greater pest mortality and crop yields at lower dosing when compared to conventional agents. For example, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared by green synthesis caused up to ~98–100% mortality of citrus psyllid nymphs at 32–64 ppm after 72 h, whereas the same amounts of traditional insecticides most often kill fewer targets. Remarkably, meta-analyses show nanopesticides have ~31.5% higher average efficacy (with +18.9% in field trials) and ~43% lower toxicity against non-target organisms compared to bulk pesticides. We put these results into an ecological safety context: while nano-pesticides reduce drift and leaching (e.g. ~41% less loss of AI, 22% reduction in soil leaching), their persistence and bioaccumulation raise concerns. Regulatory frameworks (e.g. EPA) are responding to address these challenges. Overall, nano-enabling biopesticides have great potential for sustainable agriculture but must be designed well, tested, and regulated to provide environmental safety.