Eco-Friendly Viable Options for The Management of Stored Pearl Millet Pennisetum Glaucum (L.) Against Storage Insect Pests

Abstract

The management of storage insect pests in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), a vital cereal crop in arid and semi-arid regions, remains a significant challenge to food security and economic stability. Traditional pest control methods primarily rely on synthetic chemical insecticides, which can pose environmental and human health risks. In light of these concerns, there has been a growing interest in exploring eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives that effectively manage pests while minimizing negative ecological footprints. This paper presents an in-depth review of the latest advancements in non-chemical pest management techniques for stored pearl millet, with a focus on plant-based insecticides, biological control agents, and innovative natural storage methods. New research outcomes indicate that plant-derived compounds, particularly from neem (Azadirachta indica) and essential oils such as clove and rosemary, have shown promising results in significantly reducing the population of key pests like Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil) and
Callosobruchus maculatus (pulse beetle) without compromising grain quality. Biocontrol methods, including the use of entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, have demonstrated strong efficacy in controlling pest populations under field conditions, offering an environmentally sustainable solution. Additionally, the application of Trichogramma spp. parasitoid wasps has proven effective, though challenges in optimizing their release schedules and environmental conditions remain. Recent trials on hermetic storage technologies have highlighted a significant reduction in pest infestation, with hermetic bags providing an oxygen-deprived environment that effectively controls pest activity. Furthermore, advances in
nanotechnology and the development of biodegradable films that integrate insect-repellent properties are being explored as future prospects for eco-friendly pest management. The study underscores the importance of integrating multiple pest control techniques into a holistic, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. The combination of biocontrol agents, plant-based solutions, and modern storage innovations holds promise for ensuring the sustainability of pearl millet storage systems.