Natural plant-derived pesticide formulations for postharvest legume pest management
A natural pesticide approach using medicinal plant derivatives (neem, Zataria, eucalyptus, garlic) to control postharvest pests in stored legumes. Replaces synthetic chemical pesticides with eco-friendly alternatives that protect grain quality, maintain germination rates, and preserve sensory properties during storage and transportation.
Overview
Postharvest pests of legumes cause significant losses during storage and transportation, and are currently managed primarily through synthetic chemical pesticides. Growing concerns about health hazards and environmental pollution from chemical pesticide use have created demand for safer, plant-based alternatives. This research develops natural pesticide formulations derived from medicinal herbs, including Azadirachta indica (neem), Zataria multiflora, garlic, and Eucalyptus globulus, to control bruchid stored product pests (Callosobruchus maculatus) on lentil. The approach targets egg-laying suppression and grain protection while preserving germination capacity and sensory qualities of treated grains.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Essential oils, seed powders, and leaf powders from four medicinal plant species tested against Callosobruchus maculatus on lentil
- Fumigation application method for essential oils and mixing method for powders onto stored grain packages
- Significant control of egg-laying demonstrated across all tested plant-derived materials
- Improved germination percentages in treated grains compared to untreated controls
- No significant sensory differences detected in baked lentil products treated with Zataria and garlic powders or Zataria and eucalyptus essential oils versus untreated controls
- Maximum effective control doses determined for neem seed and leaf powder, Zataria leaf powder, eucalyptus leaf powder, garlic powder, and essential oils of Zataria and eucalyptus
Technology readiness level
The research has progressed through initial validation with promising results in controlling pest egg-laying and maintaining grain quality over 1, 2, and 3-month storage periods. Sensory evaluation confirmed consumer acceptability of treated grain products. The next phase focuses on formulating these natural pesticides into practical, commercially viable products for application through packaging systems. Further formulation development, dose optimization for packaged delivery, and scaled testing are needed before commercial deployment.
About Monash University, Melbourne
Monash University is a comprehensive public research university and one of Australia’s largest, known for scale, interdisciplinarity, and an applied orientation. Its Melbourne-based technology precinct brings together university laboratories, pilot-scale and prototyping suites, and company R&D groups alongside government research organizations to enable co-development and rapid iteration. Integration with a major hospital network supports clinical trials and translation, while structured industry placements and doctoral partnerships create a robust talent pipeline for corporate R&D. Research is backed by competitive funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and state and federal programs that incentivize industry collaboration. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, with pathways to incubation and investment within the precinct.
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