New approaches for tackling the khapra beetle.

Abstract

Abstract The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is a very destructive pest of stored agricultural products and one of the most important quarantine insect pests worldwide. Very strict legislation and other measures are being taken by many countries so as to prevent the introduction of this pest and avoid export restrictions on their agricultural products. In countries where the khapra beetle is established or occasionally detected, classic management tactics are being improved and new methods are being developed in order to prevent the spread of the infestation or to eradicate, if possible, this feared pest. This review aims not only to provide insight in recent advances on identification, detection, exclusion and control methods of T. granarium , but also to consolidate the available recent and older information and provide an analysis of the published work. Potential areas for growth in the management of khapra beetle include, among others, rapid molecular identification, trapping, combination of fumigation with modified atmospheres or heat, irradiation and plant extracts. Certain advantages, limitations, mode of action, potentiality and effectiveness of each method are discussed.