Novel synthesis of silver nanoparticles using melon aqueous extract and evaluation of their feeding deterrent activity against housefly Musca domestica

Objective: To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) adopting a green approach and evaluate their toxicological potential against housefly Musca domestica which is responsible for spreading a number of fatal diseases. Methods: In the present work, AgNPs were synthesized by consuming secondary metabolites present in the fresh aqueous extract of melon. While the toxicity of the synthesized materials were recorded against house fly via feeding deterrence protocol. Results: Surface plasmon resonance was observed at 430 nm and the average crystallite size calculated from powder X ray diffraction was (18 ± 6) nm. Significant results were observed at different concentrations in the range of 2-10 mg/mL. Conclusions: Fresh melon extract resulted in a simple one-step formation of AgNPs with better control over the size of the material and the noteworthy insecticidal activity was displayed. This study proved the insecticidal potential of AgNPs against Musca domestica and its candidacy for replacing commercially available insecticides (organic/inorganic) which are synthesized in nature.