Modern perspectives on stored-product insect pest management

Abstract

Introduction Modern perspectives of stored-product insect pest management are represented here by nine topics which fall into three broad categories: sampling, insecticide resistance and management practices. The three insect sampling papers cover techniques for detecting insects and estimating insect population densities to decide whether pest management is needed. The first of the resistance papers covers the sublethal effects of insecticides and behavioural resistance, areas that are often overlooked when evaluating effectiveness of insecticides against insect pests associated with stored commodities. The other resistance paper describes the historical background and current perspectives on the only national resistance surveillance and management programs in the world. Three of the four pest management papers cover specialised pest management methods such as use of semiochemicals, insect-resistant packaging or treatment of packaged products with modified atmospheres, and use of elevated temperatures. The last paper gives a current overview of the status of stored-product insect pest management in Africa using biological, chemical and physical methods, and sheds light on challenges and current needs for improved pest management.