Plant‐Based Products as Control Agents of Stored Product Insect Pests: Prospects, Applications and Challenges

Abstract

Stored product insect pests pose a significant threat to global food security and economic stability, as they cause substantial damage to stored grains and other food commodities. Traditional pest control methods often rely on chemical insecticides, which can have adverse effects on the environment, human health, and food safety. In light of these concerns, there is growing interest in exploring sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for managing stored product insect pests. This abstract highlights the potential of plant-based products as a viable and environmentally friendly approach to control stored product insect pests. Plant-based products, such as botanical extracts and essential oils, are derived from various plant sources and have shown promise in repelling, deterring, and even killing insect pests. These products offer several advantages, including biodegradability, reduced chemical residues, and minimal harm to non-target organisms. This review summarizes recent research on the efficacy of plant-based products against a range of stored product insect pests, including but not limited to beetles, weevils, and moths. It discusses the mechanisms through which these products exert their pest control effects, such as disrupting insect behavior, affecting their reproduction, or inducing mortality. Moreover, the potential synergistic effects of combining plant-based products with other pest management strategies, like hermetic storage and modified atmospheres, are explored. In addition, this abstract examines the challenges and limitations associated with the use of plant-based products in pest management, including issues related to formulation, stability, and the need for further research to standardize application protocols. The economic feasibility and scalability of plant-based pest control methods are also considered. The findings presented in this abstract emphasize the importance of incorporating plant-based products into integrated pest management strategies for stored product insect pests. These products have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to safeguarding global food reserves, while minimizing the risks associated with chemical pesticides. Further research and collaboration between the scientific community, agricultural industry, and policymakers are essential to harness the full potential of plant-based products in the fight against stored product insect pests.