Storage pests in seed spices: A comprehensive review on advances in pest management during storage
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Authors
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Sanjay Kumar
ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer
Author
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9581-0641
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Krishna Kant
ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer
Author
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Ravi Y
ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer
Author
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N K Meena
ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer
Author
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Y K Sharma
ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer
Author
Keywords:
Seed spices, storage pest, cumin, coriander, fennel, post harvest losses, Fumigation, integrated pest managementAbstract
Seed spices constitute an important component of global agriculture due to their multifaceted use in culinary, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and industrial sectors. However, prolonged storage makes them highly vulnerable to pests, causing 5-7% post-harvest losses, rising up to 58% under severe infestation. Major pests like Lasioderma serricorne, Stegobium paniceum, Oryzaephilus surinamensis and Tribolium castaneum significantly reduce seed quality and market value. Among storage pests, cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) is highly destructive and polyphagous, completing its life cycle within 60–90 days and causing severe internal seed damage. Besides insects, fungi, mites, and rodents accelerate deterioration and mycotoxin risks. Advanced detection tools, including sensors, imaging, and AI, are vital for timely management. Management of storage pests in seed spices requires an integrated strategy combining preventive, chemical, physical, and botanical approaches. Proper drying, sanitation, hermetic storage, and MAP are essential preventive measures. Besides phosphine, alternative fumigants and residue-free technologies like CO₂, ozone, and FHAT provide sustainable pest management solutions. Botanical pesticides and seed spice-derived essential oils offer eco-friendly alternatives for storage pest management, while nano emulsion technology enhances their stability and efficacy. Integrating botanicals, advanced detection, and IPM can reduce losses and preserve seed quality sustainably. This review highlights the biology, infestation mechanisms, detection tools, and integrated management strategies for storage pests of seed spices. The information is crucial for reducing post-harvest losses, preserving seed quality, ensuring food safety, and maintaining the economic and export value of seed spices in the future.
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