This paper, which discusses the current status of conventional insecticides in the management of stored product insect pests in the tropics, shows that insect infestation in stored products is high in the tropics and may lead to 100% damage in severe cases. Conventional insecticides used in their management, such as permethrin, lindane, pirimiphos-methyl, phostoxin, methyl bromide and io-dofenphos, and their methods of application are also discussed.
Methods of storing grains and other grain products are inadequate and in most cases reduce the efficacy of insecticides thereby enhancing the multiplication of the insects. The problems associated with insecticide usage in disinfesting stored products are highlighted and suggestions are made for their solutions.
