Current status of non-residual control methods against stored product pests

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There is an increasing dichotomy between the demands of the first world for quality food uncontaminated by insecticidal residues, and the desperate need of third-world populations to maintain and protect their harvested grain from the deprivations of insects, so as to maintain a minimum level of food security. Fumigation is widely regarded as a non-residual treatment and fumigation with phosphine will continue for the immediate future as the mainstay against insect infestation. However, to ensure its continued use, insect resistance to phosphine must be countered by more efficient application techniques. Already, available alternative control technologies such as hermetic storage and the use of controlled atmospheres using either nitrogen or carbon dioxide also rely heavily on well-sealed storage structures, that are rarely available in rigid silos, but easily obtainable with flexible plastic liners. Aeration systems to cool grain bulks and thereby prevent insect development, are being widely used even in warm climates but are only applicable for bulk grain. Other non-residual treatments such as mechanical impaction, irradiation, biological control or heating, are suitable for high-quality commodities or niche situations.