The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), is the most destructive insect pest of stored cereals worldwide. The current study was conducted to determine the lethal, reproductive, and histological effects of gamma irradiation on S. oryzae adults. In addition, the impact on germination, chlorophyll, and proline content in wheat seedlings from treated grains was determined. Wheat grains were infested with rice weevil adults and then irradiated by gamma rays. Gamma radiation was applied at a dosage of 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 kGy. Mortality percentage and LD50 were recorded after 48, 72, 96, and 120 h of treatment. The dosage of 1.00 kGy caused 100% mortality after 96 h of irradiation. The required dosage of gamma radiation to kill 50% (LD50) of adults after 48 h was 1.51 kGy. All tested doses caused complete sterility to 24 h old adults. A histological alteration was noticed at a dosage of 1.00 kGy, which showed cytoplasmic vacuolization, tissues exhibiting signs of putrefaction, and necrosis of cells; furthermore, gamma irradiation affected chlorophyll a and b. The highest amounts were detected in wheat seedlings from grains irradiated at 0.10 kGy. There was a significant increase in plant proline content at the higher doses (0.50 and 1.00 kGy) compared with seedlings from nonirradiated grains. It could be concluded that gamma radiation can be used as an eco-friendly trend to control stored-product pests without any residual effects.

Stored grain insect pests cause a high risk to the grains and seeds in storage such as weight loss, less germination, and reduced nutrition values of grains. Heavily use of synthetic insecticides resulted in a lot of problems for humans and the environment. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate new approaches for controlling certain stored product insects. In this respect, the following approaches were investigated: Acutely toxic chemicals, mostly of natural origin, i.e. Avermectins and pyrethrins against stored insect pests. In addition to Azadirachtin, the main constituent of neem kernels is a feeding deterrent. Some toxicological and environmental aspects of some tested chemicals were also evaluated. The results showed considerable and remarkable insecticidal activity. Avermectins, in particular, Ivermectin exhibited a noticeable insecticidal potency against the stored grain insects (i.e. cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus F., and khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium E.) under storage conditions (viz. lacking direct light and other weathering factors). yrethrins revealed a long residual toxicity when applied on grains. Azadirachtin, the principal phytochemical of neem kernels, has markedly antifeedant properties. Also, Azadirachtin showed considerable feeding deterrent effect against larvae of khapra beetle, T. granarium at concentrations  125 mg/kg grains. Moreover, the results showed that Abamectin was highly effective.

The essential oils (EOs) of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) herb were extracted by hydrodistillation and tested against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) for insecticidal and biochemical effects on certain enzymes of this insect. Major components of C. cyminum EO determined by gass chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis were γ-terpinene (15.78 %) and benzenemethanol (11.32 %), while those of O. basilicum EO were linalool (56.7 %) and epi-α-cadinol (11.4 %). The lethal concentration values for 50% mortality after three days of T. castaneum whole body exposure were 678 mg kg–1 for cumin oil and 755 mg kg–1 for basil oil. The enzymatic activity of treated insects showed a reduction in total protein, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase compared to untreated ones. However, α-amylase activity increased with both tested EOs. Hence, for T. castaneum control, these EOs may represent alternatives to conventional insecticides.

Cereals especially wheat grains are an important food source for the majority of the world population. Safe grain storage methods are thus of fundamental importance to ensure food supply from harvest to the next years. Consequently, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of non-customary application, seven color agents namely, brown chocolate, agricultural green, ponceau 4R., sunset yellow (FCF), tartrazine, titanium dioxide, and brilliant blue FCF on Tribolium castaneum, Sitophilus oryzae and Trogoderma granarium through measuring some of parameters: % mortality, effect on F1 progeny, % weight loss and % germination compared to pirimiphos-methyl (as control). Results obtained indicated that percent of mortality for S. oryzae was between (13-58%) after 7 days which increased to (26.7-71.7%) after 12 days with the all tested coloring agents. Brilliant blue dye had the highest influence with LC50 values of 4.71 and 2.25% w/w after 7, 12 days, respectively. While, tartazine dye achieved the lowest action with LC50 values of 9.07 and 5.93% w/w at the same periods. For T. castaneum titanium dioxide had the highest impact with LC50 of 7.9 and 4.4% w/w, T. granarium had the highest response to brilliant blue (FCF) with LC50 of 5.24 and 1.1% w/w, after 7 and 12 days, respectively. The tested coloring agents reduced the population and reduced the percent weight loss compared to control. Eventually, the current study suggest using the tested colors as alternative control methods, however further studies to ensure their safety, as food additives, are needed.