NANOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL CROP PROTECTION

The tomato fruit worm (Helicoverpa armigera) have been reported to be a very destructive pest on many crops including tomato prompting farmers to resort to the use of synthetic insecticides leading to environmental pollution and pest resistance to insecticides. Nanotechnology has been studied in various fields but limited research is done on its impact on agricultural insect pest management. Therefore silica nanoparticles was tested on H. armigera to determine its efficacy in the management of the pest.Limitations to the use of silica nanoparticles is that it is a relatively new technology, with high production cost and not available in the market hence farmers are not aware of its existence unlike most chemical insecticides that are readily available in the market for the Nigerian farmer. Extensive research is therefore needed in the field of nanotechnology application in agriculture and its effect on the environment.