Vol. 9, Special Issue 3, Part E (2025)

The global expansion of trade has heightened the risk of storage pest proliferation, leading to significant postharvest losses in cereals, legumes, and processed goods. Traditional reliance on synthetic insecticides, while effective, has resulted in pest resistance, environmental contamination, and health hazards, necessitating sustainable alternatives. This review explores emerging strategies for storage pest control, emphasizing eco-friendly approaches such as entomopathogenic fungi, botanical essential oils (e.g., thyme), diatomaceous earth (DE), and nanotechnology. These methods offer reduced ecological impact while maintaining efficacy against pests like Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. The paper underscores the limitations of conventional chemical fumigants, including phosphine resistance, and highlights integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks that combine biological, physical, and novel technologies. Innovations such as IoT-enabled sensor networks, pheromone-based traps, and modified atmospheres demonstrate promise for real-time monitoring and precision control. However, challenges persist, including regulatory barriers, scalability of biopesticides, and consumer acceptance of biocontrol agents. The review also addresses the role of storage infrastructure improvements, such as hermetic systems and automated sanitation, in mitigating pest access. Additionally, the threat of mycotoxin contamination from pest-related fungal growth underscores the urgency for proactive solutions. Future prospects lie in advancing genetic tools, RNA interference, and nanotechnology applications, alongside global collaboration to standardize sustainable practices. By integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, this review advocates for a holistic approach to storage pest management, balancing efficacy, economic viability, and environmental stewardship to ensure food security in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.