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

Waqas Wakil (), Maria C. Boukouvala, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos (), Demeter Lorentha S. Gidari, Anna Skourti and Tahira Riasat
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Waqas Wakil: Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-26

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.

Keywords: natural insecticides; noxious insects in storages; grain protection; co-applications (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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