Main plant volatiles as stored grain pest management approach: A review

Abstract

Insect pests inflict severe damage to stored food grains in many parts of the world. Though effective and reliable, several discouraging aspects of synthetic pesticides such as high cost, non-biodegradability, and the harmful effects on humans and the environment have urged agriculturist to look for an alternative approach that is powerful, eco-friendly, and economically viable. Plant volatile organic compounds are known to possess insecticidal properties. They may be advocated for alternatives to synthetic insecticides. This review focused on how plant volatile organic compounds can be used as botanicals pesticides, which could reduce the application of synthetic insecticides in stored grain pest's management. The review discussed key challenges for product commercialization for instance i) availability of natural resources, ii) maintaining quality, iii) simplification of the legislation. The review also highlights the importance of having clear objectives in the biopesticides research. While a dedicated regulatory framework exclusively for biopesticides manufacturing could help in expanding its use.