Rice husk becomes "weapon" against pests

The process, called biogenic synthesis, represents a green alternative to conventional methods, which generally involve high costs and environmental impacts. By inoculating rice husk with fungi, it is possible to generate silica nanoparticles cheaply and ecologically. This material is known for strengthening plants, improving nutrient absorption, stimulating growth, and even acting as a nanoherbicide, nanofertilizer, or nanopesticide. The innovation does not stop there. Renata and her team went even further by using these nanoparticles to protect the conidia of the fungus Beauveria bassiana, already known for its use in biological pest control such as the fall armyworm and the false measurement moth. By enveloping the conidia with silica, the bioinsecticide gains protection against sun and rain, reducing the need for frequent reapplications in the field. The results are encouraging: according to the researcher, the new nanotechnological formulation achieved up to 90% ...