Current treatments and emerging approaches in stored-product insect pest management

The management of stored-product insect pests is at a critical juncture, with advancements in technology and growing environmental concerns driving the development of innovative solutions. Traditional chemical-based methods, while effective, pose risks to human health and the environment, necessitating the exploration of safer, sustainable alternatives. Emerging tools such as nanotechnology offer transformative approaches, including nanopesticides and controlled-release formulations, which enhance efficacy while minimizing chemical residues. Likewise, molecular technologies like RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 enable precise pest control strategies that align with eco-friendly goals. Digital innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), are revolutionizing pest detection and decision-making, ensuring more accurate and timely interventions. However, further developing and implementing these technologies at scale requires transdisciplinary collaboration addressing challenges related to safety and environmental impact, as well as their regulation, and also economic feasibility. Compounding these complexities is the influence of climate change, which alters pest dynamics, geographical distributions, and the effectiveness of current management strategies. Future approaches to stored-product pest management must integrate cutting-edge technologies with adaptive, climate-resilient strategies. Emphasis on environmentally sound practices will be vital to preserving global food security and protecting stored commodities from pest damage. By balancing technological innovation with sustainability, pest management can achieve a new paradigm that is both effective and ecologically responsible.