Botanical insecticides for stored grain protection: Emerging challenges and future prospects

Pest infestations in stored grains cause significant economic losses, particularly in public warehouses and farms, often exacerbated by poor storage practices and adverse environmental conditions. Botanical insecticides, derived from natural compounds like alkaloids, essential oils, and flavonoids, offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. Their unique modes of action and low residue risks have led to growing acceptance, especially in organic agriculture. Despite supportive government policies and commercialization efforts in developing countries, large-scale adoption remains limited due to challenges in efficacy validation, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. This review highlights the potential of botanical insecticides in stored grain protection, outlines critical research and implementation challenges, and recommends targeted farmer education, financial incentives, and awareness programs to promote their broader adoption as viable biorational pest management tools.