This study investigated the impact of chitosan & silver and their
nanoparticles against the biochemical and histological aspects of the black
cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon and the land snail Monacha obstructa. The
activities of three vital enzymes [Aspartate amino transaminase (AST),
Alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and acetyl cholinesterases (AChE)],
total protein (TP) and total lipid (TL) were laboratory assayed. Results
showed that chitosan and silver treatments increased the activity of AST,
ALT and AChE in A. ipsilon and M. obstructa. On the contrary, chitosan and
silver nanoparticles decreased the activity of these enzymes.
On the other hand, the levels of total protein and total lipid were
decreased after treatment with all tested materials. In general, chitosan and
silver nanoparticles affected the activities of enzymes, total protein and total
lipid compared with control when applied against the tested cutworm larvae
and snail. Meanwhile, many histological changes were observed in mid-gut
of A. ipsilon larvae and the digestive gland of M. obstructa after treatments
with LC50's of both nano chitosan and nanosilver.
Obtained data from this study suggest the possible use of chitosan
and silver nanoparticles as alternatives to conventional pesticides and
compatible with integrated pest management practices.