COMPARE SILICA NANOPARTICLES WITH TWO INSECT PATHOGENS IN CONTROLLING COTTON LEAFWORM, Spodoptera littoralis BOISD. IN EARLY SUGAR BEET PLANTATION AND THEIR EFFECTS ON SOME ASSOCIATED NATURAL ENEMIES

The application of nanomaterials in agriculture aims in particular to reduce insecticides in plant protection, minimize nutrient losses in fertilization, and increase yields through optimized nutrient management. So, it could be look for alternative method to control Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. This experiment was conducted out at El-Riad region, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, during two successive seasons 2014 and 2015 to compare the efficacy of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) at three rates (20, 40 and 60 g/fed) with two pathogens dipel DF at 200 g/fed and biofly 300 ml/fed in controlling S. littoralis in early sugar beet plantation. Also, this study aimed to show the negative side effects on some associated natural enemies; true spider, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) and Coccinella spp. Results showed the highest rate of SiNPs (60 g/fed) was the highest effectiveness in reducing the numbers of S. littoralis; 59.75 and 61.77% reduction in larvae during two season, respectively. While the two tested insect pathogens came in the second category in controlling the insect. On the other hand biofly showed the highest side negative effect on associated predators followed the dipel DF, while the lowest effect recorded from SiNPs at low rate (20 g/fed).