An Overview towards Botanicals from Medicinal Plants in Stored Insects

The use of synthetic chemical insecticides is not allowed or is used restrictively because of the problem of residues and the health risks of consumers. With this in mind, plants are needed that can provide potential alternatives to the currently used insecticides, as they are a rich source of bioactive molecules. Available literature indicates that the plant could be a source of new insecticides. Preventing food loss during post-harvest storage is of the utmost economic importance. Integrated pest management is now a widely accepted pest management strategy, including post-harvest pest management using chemical insecticides with disinfectants. Therefore, there is great potential for insecticidal compounds derived from plants. This article focuses on the current status of botanical insecticides as grain protectors and how they work. The control of this insect is highly dependent on the use of synthetic insecticides and disinfectants. But its widespread use has created serious problems. The increasing resistance of stored product insects to conventional synthetic pesticides, along with growing concerns over environmental and human health impacts, has spurred interest in alternative pest management strategies. Botanicals derived from medicinal plants have emerged as promising candidates due to their diverse bioactive properties and eco-friendly nature. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the use of botanical extracts for controlling stored insects. It discusses the various modes of action, including repellency, toxicity, and growth inhibition, and highlights the most effective plant species and their phytochemical constituents.