A Professor of Stored Products Entomology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Mercy Olayinka Oni, has warned that the nation’s continuous reliance on synthetic insecticides to preserve stored agricultural commodities is severely threatening food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability.

This warning stems from rising pesticide resistance, which leads farmers to use toxic overdoses on stored crops. Delivering FUTA’s 199th Inaugural Lecture, Professor Oni urged a shift toward biodegradable, plant-based alternatives to protect consumers and the environment.

The presentation, titled “Eco-Friendly Innovations: Tapping into Plant-Derived Insecticides for Stored Products Pest Control,” highlighted the dangerous cycle created by the indiscriminate use of storage chemicals. 

While synthetic solutions historically protected grains and cereals from rapid destruction, insect populations have increasingly built up immunity to common formulas. This growing chemical resistance leads directly to elevated chemical residues on food products, exposing local consumers to chronic health hazards.

Professor Oni explained that prolonged exposure to these pesticide residues can contribute to serious medical complications, including respiratory issues, hormonal imbalances, neurological damage, and elevated cancer risks. 

Environmentally, the chemicals wash into surrounding soil and water supplies, killing off beneficial organisms and throwing regional ecosystems out of balance. To reverse this damage, she recommended the immediate adoption of botanical insecticides, which are safe, natural, and highly affordable.

The scientist identified several indigenous plants that contain potent insecticidal properties capable of driving down post-harvest losses without degrading food quality. Specifically, neem, garlic, chilli pepper, eucalyptus, and pyrethrum have all demonstrated excellent capabilities in keeping storage pests under control. 

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Taiwo Amos, praised the research as incredibly timely, stating that the institution remains dedicated to supporting innovations that protect food security and the environment.

Source: New Telegraph