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Advances in Stored-Product Pest Management: Combined Effects of Diatomaceous Earths with Botanicals, Insecticides, Entomopathogenic/Plant Pathogenic Fungi, and Silica Gel

Author

Listed:
  • Waqas Wakil

    (Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
    Senckenberg German Entomological Institute, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany)

  • Maria C. Boukouvala

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Str., 11855 Athens, Greece)

  • Nickolas G. Kavallieratos

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Str., 11855 Athens, Greece)

  • Demeter Lorentha S. Gidari

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Str., 11855 Athens, Greece)

  • Anna Skourti

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Str., 11855 Athens, Greece)

  • Tahira Riasat

    (Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
    Department of Zoology, GC University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan)

Abstract

Diatomaceous earth (DE) consists of fossilized remnants of diatoms, which are marine or freshwater unicellular algae. Most DEs originate from fossilized sedimentary layers of diatoms deposited in water bodies during the Eocene and Miocene periods, much more than 20 million years ago. Processed DE, a soft, chalky powder, is widely used as an insecticide due to the highly absorptive and abrasive nature of its particles. As an insecticide, DE removes the wax coating of the insect epicuticle, the primary barrier against water loss. This results in water evaporation, leading to desiccation and death of the targeted insects. This review emphasizes the co-treatment of DEs with biological agents that have insecticidal properties (e.g., essential oils, plant powders, silica gel, and species/isolates of fungi), reducing the quantities used in single-application treatments and suggesting paths for the sustainable management of insects damaging stored products.

Suggested Citation

  • Waqas Wakil & Maria C. Boukouvala & Nickolas G. Kavallieratos & Demeter Lorentha S. Gidari & Anna Skourti & Tahira Riasat, 2025. "Advances in Stored-Product Pest Management: Combined Effects of Diatomaceous Earths with Botanicals, Insecticides, Entomopathogenic/Plant Pathogenic Fungi, and Silica Gel," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3316-:d:1630448
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