Speakers - 2026

Title: Effects of greenly bimetallic nanoparticles applied in maize crops fields on native bees melipona beecheii

Abstract

The recent impact of nanotechnology in agriculture creates new opportunities for enhancing the productivity in crops. The novel use of nanoparticles as insecticides is now an alternative to use of chemical insecticides, which cause contamination of ecosystems. However, the possible adverse impact of the nanoparticles in pollinator insects is poorly studied. One of major pollinator insects is the bee, and especially native bees. In this study, compared the effects on the mortality of a commercial insecticide (Spinetoram) and greenly synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag-ZnNPs); the treatments were administered via food; a sugar solution was prepared with the addition of the control (distilled water), the commercial insecticide (Spinetoram) and the Ag-ZnNPs; the parameters evaluated were mortality at 120 hours and walking tests at different time points (24, 48 and 72 h). The native bees were collected from hives established in the field and placed in traps; each trap contained 10 bees, and each treatment had 3 repetitions; the design was a completely randomized design, and the data were analyzed using an analysis of variance. The results showed that the commercial  insecticide provoked 100% of mortality in 24 hours; in other hand, the Ag-ZnNPs did not exhibit mortality after 120 hours; however, in walking tests (n=90, g.l=2, F=2.45) the native bees treated with Ag-ZnNPs accelerated the walking time compared to the control group at 24 h and 48 h. This observed effect could be a response to stress caused by Ag-ZnNPs in native bees. But at 72 hours, the walking time was reduced and compared with the control group, indicating that the native bees homeostasis has been achieved. The study of the effects of Ag-ZnNPs over pollinator insects like native bees is important, and this study offers information about the effects on these insects, but more research is needed to establish an environmentally secure use of nanoparticles.

The audience take away from presentation:

1. This research offers practical applications for multiple audiences. Ecotoxicologists and entomologists can adopt walking tests as sub-lethal endpoints across time points, moving beyond traditional LD50 mortality assessments to better evaluate nanomaterial impacts. Nanotechnology researchers may use Ag-ZnNPs as a baseline for optimizing bimetallic nanoparticles aimed at pest control with reduced pollinator toxicity. Policymakers gain early evidence to guide regulatory frameworks for agricultural nanomaterials, emphasizing behavioral assays for risk assessment.
2. For faculty and researchers, the findings open new research avenues on nanoparticle-induced stress and detoxification in native bees, while serving as a case study for teaching sustainable agriculture and ecotoxicology. Designers and chemists benefit from insights for creating safer interventions: Ag-ZnNPs show pest control potential without catastrophic pollinator mortality, simplifying design constraints. Ultimately, this study improves accuracy in designing “green” insecticides and addresses pollinator decline, contributing to food security and ecosystem health.