Nanotechnology-Driven Solutions for Storage Insect Pest Management: A Solution for Food Security
Madesh Kamalakannan, M. Kannan, Soundararajan Raga Palanisamy, M. Senthilkumar, N. Manikanda Boopathi, K. Govindaraju, Vishnu Murugesan, Dineshkumar Selvaraj
Abstract
Global food security and sustainable agricultural production are critical challenges in the 21 st century, requiring innovative solutions that enhance food production, reduce postharvest losses, and mitigate environmental impact. Conventional storage methods often fail to preserve the nutritional quality of grains and seeds, leading to substantial losses. In this context, nanotechnology offers promising alternatives by providing efficient pest management and extending the shelf life of stored products. Nanomaterials (NMs) and nanoformulations (NFs) have shown unique properties such as enhanced barrier effects, controlled release, and structural stability, which are critical in mitigating insect pest infestations. The correlation between the physicochemical properties of NMs and their functional responses in pest management is essential to optimize their application. Additionally, NMs interact at the cellular and molecular levels within pest systems, disrupting key biological processes, which enhances their pest control efficiency. This review explores the latest trends in the development and application of different NMs in pest management, emphasizing their potential to regulate environmental conditions, which significantly reduce postharvest losses. The market adoption of NMs for storage pest control is growing, driven by increasing evidence of their effectiveness and sustainability. As climate change and global protein demand escalate, there is an urgent need to transition to nanotechnology-based storage solutions to ensure a sustainable food supply. This framework highlights how NMs and NFs can provide critical advancements in storage management, contributing to food security goals worldwide.