Resistance to the Fumigant Phosphine and Its Management in Insect Pests of Stored Products: A Global Perspective

Abstract

Development of resistance in major grain insect pest species to the key fumigant phosphine (hydrogen phosphide) across the globe has put the viability and sustainability of phosphine in jeopardy. The resistance problem has been aggravated over the past two decades, due mostly to the lack of suitable alternatives matching the major attributes of phosphine, including its low price, ease of application, proven effectiveness against a broad pest spectrum, compatibility with most storage conditions, and international acceptance as a residue-free treatment. In this review, we critically analyze the published literature in the area of phosphine resistance with special emphasis on the methods available for detection of resistance, the genetic basis of resistance development, key management strategies, and research gaps that need to be addressed.

Insecticidal Activity of 28 Essential Oils and a Commercial Product Containing Cinnamomum cassia Bark Essential Oil against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky

“…As the use of methyl bromide was being phased-out in the stored product pests control programs, phosphine fumigation became the most popular control method around the globe. Compared to other potential alternatives such as sulfuryl fluoride, carbonyl sulfide, propylene oxide, ethyl formate, and hydrogen cyanide, phosphine has unique benefits including lowest costs, various formulations that are easy to apply, rapid dispersion into the treated areas due to its similar density to air, and fast break down after fumigation [5]. However, the lack of compatible alternatives and repeated use of phosphine treatment in industrial storages as well as in flour mills has resulted in the development of resistance in various stored product insect pests, which emphasizes the need for additional pest management products.…”

“…However, the lack of compatible alternatives and repeated use of phosphine treatment in industrial storages as well as in flour mills has resulted in the development of resistance in various stored product insect pests, which emphasizes the need for additional pest management products. The current situation of phosphine resistance is well documented [5].…”

“…However, heavy reliance on phosphine has resulted in the resistance development of resistance in numerous stored product insects including Sitophilus spp. in grain stores [5] as well as in the food industry and flour mills [6].…”

Fumigation Activity against Phosphine-Resistant Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Using Carbonyl Sulfide

“…This study evaluated the activity of PH 3 and COS against two stored-product pests, T. castaneum (d-strain and r-strain) and O. surinamensis. PH 3 shows fumigation activity against various grain pests, T. castaneum, Rhyzopertha dominica, and O. surinamensis, but an increase in the resistant strain of these insects has been reported [11,[38][39][40]. This experiment was performed to investigate an alternative fumigant that is effective against PH 3 -resistant pests, especially T. castaneum.…”

Untitled

“…Due to free residual advantages over chemical fumigation [27], irradiation has become an established technique for controlling stored grain insects [28]. Pszczola [29], demonstrated the acceptability of irradiation technology as an alternative treatment for food protection.…”