Insecticidal Potential of Lantana camara L. Ethanol and Nano‑Silver Extracts Against the Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimaea operculella [Zeller])

The extensive reliance on synthetic pesticides has led to considerable ecological disruption and negative impacts on non-target organisms worldwide. As a sustainable alternative, nanotechnology offers promising avenues for the development of innovative and environmentally safe biopesticides. In this study, the insecticidal efficacy of ethanol and nano-silver (AgNPs) extracts derived from Lantana camara L. was evaluated against the eggs and larvae of the Potato Tuber Moth ( Phthorimaea operculella [Zeller]), a quarantine pest of major concern in potato production in Türkiye. Toxicological assessments revealed dose-dependent mortality, with LC₅₀–LC₉₀ values ranging from 6.56–54.72 for ethanol extracts and 1.45–6.59 for AgNP formulations. Maximum inhibition of egg hatching was observed at 12% ethanol extract (76.5%) and 200 ppm AgNP treatment (94.9%). Bioassay results demonstrated that AgNP formulations of L. camara were significantly more effective than ethanol extracts in suppressing both larval and egg development. Moreover, potato tubers treated with AgNPs exhibited a pronounced reduction in adult moth emergence compared to untreated controls. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of L. camara nano-silver extracts as a sustainable biopesticide candidate for integrated management of P. operculella .