Biological control of storage pests: A review of current techniques

Abstract

The relentless pursuit of effective and environmentally conscious strategies for safeguarding stored products from pest infestations has propelled biological control to the forefront of agricultural research. This review delves into the cutting-edge techniques employed in the biological control of storage pests, highlighting the use of invertebrate and microbial agents, along with innovative approaches to habitat manipulation and conservation biological control, ultimately aiming to reduce our reliance on conventional chemical pesticides and foster sustainable pest management practices. The escalating demand for food security, coupled with growing concerns about the detrimental effects of synthetic pesticides on human health and the environment, has spurred intense research into alternative pest management strategies. Biological control, which harnesses the power of natural enemies to suppress pest populations, has emerged as a promising approach for protecting stored products from insect pests and other destructive organisms. The integration of available pest control options and the adoption of new crop cultivation technologies are also being recommended, particularly for small and resource-poor farmers. The review will explore the diverse array of biological control agents, encompassing parasitoids, predators, and pathogens, and examine their efficacy against a wide range of storage pests. Furthermore, it will explore the application of bio preservatives like starter cultures, or purified antimicrobial compounds to prevent microbial growth.