A Professor of Stored Products Entomology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Mercy Olayinka Oni, has warned that the continued reliance on synthetic insecticides for the preservation of stored agricultural produce is posing serious threats to food safety, environmental sustainability, and public health.
Professor Oni raised the concern while delivering the 199th Inaugural Lecture of the university titled, “Eco-Friendly Innovations: Tapping into Plant-Derived Insecticides for Stored Products Pest Control.”
The entomologist said the widespread and often indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides in the management of storage pests has created a dangerous cycle of chemical resistance, food contamination, and ecological imbalance, undermining efforts to achieve sustainable food security.
According to her, synthetic insecticides have historically played a significant role in protecting stored grains, beans, cereals and other agricultural commodities from pest infestation. However, she noted that their prolonged use has led to reduced effectiveness as insect populations increasingly develop resistance to the chemicals.
She explained that the growing resistance compels users to apply larger quantities of pesticides, resulting in higher chemical residues in food products and increased health risks for consumers.
Professor Oni further highlighted the environmental consequences of synthetic insecticides, including soil and water contamination, destruction of beneficial organisms, and disruption of ecological systems. She added that prolonged exposure to pesticide residues in food could contribute to respiratory complications, hormonal disorders, neurological damage and possible cancer-related risks.
To address the challenge, the professor advocated the adoption of plant-derived insecticides, describing them as safer, biodegradable, affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
She stated that several indigenous plants possess natural insecticidal properties capable of protecting stored produce from destructive pests while maintaining food quality and safeguarding human health.
Among the botanicals identified as effective pest control agents were neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic, chilli pepper, eucalyptus and pyrethrum, all of which have demonstrated significant insecticidal potential.
Professor Oni said the use of botanical insecticides could substantially reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in developing countries where access to expensive pest-control technologies remains limited.
She also called for increased research efforts and the integration of indigenous knowledge into modern pest management systems to accelerate the development and adoption of eco-friendly storage solutions.
Chairman of the lecture and Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, described the presentation as timely and relevant to contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Taiwo Amos, the Vice-Chancellor said the lecture reflects the university’s commitment to advancing research-based innovations capable of enhancing food safety, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
She added that the institution’s inaugural lecture series continues to provide a platform for scholarly engagement on critical national and global development issues.
