Storage Insect Pests and Their Effects on Cereal and Pulse Crops in Southern Ethiopia: A Review

Storage insect pests are important causes of post-harvest losses in cereal and pulse crops in Southern Ethiopia. Smallholder farmers commonly store harvested grain for several months using traditional storage structures and locally available materials, which may favor insect infestation and population development. This review synthesizes available evidence on major storage insect pests affecting cereal and pulse crops in Southern Ethiopia, their occurrence, damage, and effects on grain quantity, quality, food security, and farmers’ livelihoods. Literature was compiled from scientific databases and other relevant sources, with emphasis on studies conducted in Southern Ethiopia and Ethiopia. Important pests of stored cereals include maize weevil ( Sitophilus zeamais ), rice weevil ( Sitophilus oryzae ), lesser grain borer ( Rhyzopertha dominica ), larger grain borer ( Prostephanus truncatus ), and Angoumois grain moth ( Sitotroga cerealella ), while pulse crops are particularly vulnerable to bruchids such as Acanthoscelides obtectus and Callosobruchus spp. Infestation causes grain weight loss, kernel damage, reduced germination, contamination, nutritional deterioration, and reduced market value. Pest occurrence and damage are influenced by crop type, grain moisture, temperature, storage duration, storage structure, hygiene, and initial infestation. Management options include improved storage, sanitation, hermetic storage, botanical materials, inert dusts, and appropriate insecticides. Integrated storage pest management and farmer participation are essential for reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security in Southern Ethiopia