UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Stored-product insect pests cause substantial quantitative and qualitative losses of food grains during bulk storage worldwide. Protection of stored commodities has traditionally relied on fumigants and residual synthetic insecticides; however, the development of insect resistance, concerns over pesticide residues, regulatory restrictions on synthetic pyrethroids, and increasing consumer demand for safer food have challenged the sustainability of current management practices. These limitations have intensified the search for alternative strategies compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Plant-derived botanicals, including crude extracts, powders, and essential oils, have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives for the management of storage insect pests. Numerous studies have demonstrated their insecticidal, repellent, antifeedant, ovicidal, and growth-inhibitory activities against key stored-product species. In addition to reduced mammalian toxicity and rapid biodegradability, botanical products may offer novel modes of action that help mitigate resistance development. This review summarizes the extent of postharvest losses caused by major storage pests and critically examines the potential of plant botanicals in their management. Emphasis is placed on classification of botanicals, modes of action, commonly evaluated plant species, and essential oils used in stored-grain protection. Challenges related to formulation, standardization, stability, and large-scale application are also discussed to highlight future research needs for integrating botanicals into sustainable stored-product protection systems.