Plant‐Derived Substances Used Against Beetles–Pests of Stored Crops and Food–and Their Mode of Action: A Review

Abstract

Plants are sources of numerous active substances that are used to protect crops. Currently, due to the limitations of using synthetic insecticides, plant products have attracted increasing attention as possible pesticides. In this review, we discuss some of the most interesting plant products (for example, Solanaceae, or Asteraceae extracts, Artemisia absinthium or Citrus spp. essential oils, and single compounds like α-chaconine, or α-solanine) that exhibit insecticidal activity against beetles that are pests of stored food products. Next, we describe and discuss the mode of action of these products, including lethal and sublethal effects, such as antifeedant or neurotoxic activity, ultrastructural malformation, and effects on prooxidant/antioxidant balance. Furthermore, the methods of application of plant-derived substances in food storage areas are presented.

Bioactivities of patchoulol and phloroacetophenone from Pogostemon cablin essential oil against three insects

“…It could result from the different susceptibilities of various insect species. [2] Bioassays data indicated that P. cablin essential oil was much more suitable to control red flour beetles than cigarette beetles.…”

“…[1] As secondary pests, these three species of insects are unable to attack the whole healthy normal grains but do damage those already infected or processed into products such as flour. [1][2][3] Under the warm and humid storage conditions, these three insect species could rapidly reproduce and cause serious postharvest losses.…”

Solanum nigrum Fruit Extract Increases Toxicity of Fenitrothion—A Synthetic Insecticide, in the Mealworm Beetle Tenebrio molitor Larvae

“…However, considering the harmful effects of synthetic pesticides, their usage should be limited, and substitute methods such as biopesticides should be implemented. Such methods of stored products’ protection are the focus of intensive studies (for review see: [ 2 ]).…”

Disinfestation techniques for major cereals: A status report

“…Plant‐based products such as essential oils, alkaloids, leaf or seed powders, and other extracts have been used for disinfestation from the ancient era. According to Spochacz, Chowański, Walkowiak‐Nowicka, Szymczak, and Adamski (2018), there is confusion regarding the classification of these plant extracts under biopesticides because of their natural origin and the mode of action is different for entomopathogens and plant products. Essential oils of medicinal plants and herbs such as neem, cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus were recognized for disinfection and disinfestation because of their broad spectrum of activity (Dwivedy, Kumar, Upadhyay, Prakash, & Dubey, 2016).…”