Disinfestation techniques for major cereals: A status report

Abstract

Management of stored product insects is a major concern and widely researched topic in the food and grain processing and storage industry. In the scenario of estimated utilization of produces exceeding the production, postharvest losses should be properly controlled to feed the growing population. The prevailing disinfestation techniques are forced to meet regulatory standards and market demands. The resistance developed by insects, environmental concerns, and occupational hazards lead to the vanishing of many chemicals used in insect and pest management programs. Some of the major disinfestation techniques such as the use of chemical fumigants, ozone, irradiation, dielectric heating, extreme temperature treatments, and bio rational approaches are discussed, particularly on the storage of cereal grains and its products, as they contribute to a significant proportion of food consumed worldwide. Newer techniques such as nonthermal plasma and metabolic stress disinfestation and decontamination for stored pest control are developed and evaluated in different parts of the world. The knowledge about the mode of action of these disinfestation techniques is important to avoid the cross-resistance and multiple resistance developed by insects with frequently used techniques. Various alternatives to conventional fumigants are discussed in this review as there is a growing demand for toxic-free, environment-friendly, and, at the same time, efficient techniques.

Postharvest losses in food grains – A Review

“…The grain industry's primary challenge in developing countries is inadequate storage facilities and adequate knowledge and experience on postharvest management of grains (Shlomo Navarro and Navarro, 2016). Storage management of harvested grains and measures to prevent the insect from thriving in stored grains is of great concern to food processing and storage industries (Paul et al, 2020). Storage structures and facilities extend shelf life and reduce PHLs by protecting grains against environmental factors, rodents and insects (Mapfeka et al, 2019).…”

“…Grains are a global staple and the main source of food and energy to many (Khaneghah et al, 2018). They are highly universal due to their ability to thrive under a wide range of environmental conditions (Chibarabada et al, 2017) and are easy to handle and transport (Paul et al, 2020). Postharvest losses (PHLs) can be quantitative, qualitative or economic, but most research on PHLs concentrate more on quantitative losses, with very few reporting qualitative and economic losses (Kitinoja et al, 2018).…”

In package control of Rhyzopertha dominica in wheat using a continuous atmospheric jet cold plasma system

“…In recent years the technology has marked advancements in the study of disinfestation of stored grain pests, finding alternative ways to control them [5]. The traditional approaches adopted for the control of R. dominica in wheat rely on the use of synthetic pesticides and fumigants like phosphine and methyl bromide [6] which have a negative impact such as producing toxic residues, pollution to the environment, and resistance development by the insects.…”

Cold Plasma Generator Using Economical High-Frequency High Voltage Flyback Transformer With Straight and L-Shaped Needles

“…Cold plasma will only form H + and O2which can damage the spike and proteins in the virus so that it cannot infect human cells. Plasma is also relatively safe for humans if it is designed at an ideal output voltage and construction, which will not produce ozone which is toxic in nature [5] [6].…”