The Efficiency of Isolated Protease Enzyme and Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from the Fungus Trichoderma harzianum in Controlling the Larval and Pupal Stages of the Housefly

Abstract

The current study aimed to adopt two main approaches to environmentally friendly biological control methods, characterized by their lack of negative impacts on the food chain, and to employ modern technologies represented by the use of bio- synthesized of nanomaterials.

The results showed the possibility of biosynthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the biomass of the fungus T. harzianum. The study also revealed significant differences in the effect of different treatments on the some  life stages of the housefly. These treatments included the protease enzyme of T. harzianum and bio-prepared AgNPs, and a combined treatment using a spray application. The combined treatment (silver nanoparticles + protease enzyme) demonstrated the highest biological efficiency, recording the highest larval mortality rate of 30 larvae at a concentration of 25%, compared to the control treatment, which showed no effect (0 larvae). A similarly significant effect was observed in the pupal stage, with 28 pupae affected at the same concentration, compared to no effect in the control treatment. These results suggest the effectiveness of integrating AgNPs with fungal enzymes as a promising approach in advanced biological control programs.